Abstract
This study was carried out to determine the effects of various contents of kiwifruit contents on the quality characteristics of mixed polysaccharide gels made from $\kappa$-carrageenan and locust bean gum. The color value, gelling temperature, melting temperature, break down rate, syneresis, rupture properties, TPA properties and sensory properties of mixed polysaccharide gels with various contents of kiwifruit contents were measured. As the kiwifruit contents was increased, the lightness (L), yellowness (b) and greenness (-a) of the mixed polysaccharide gels increased. There were no differences in the color values of gels during storage. As the kiwifruit content was increased, the gelling and melting temperatures of the mixed polysaccharide gels also increased. The mixed polysaccharide gels with high kiwifruit contents were difficult to melt, and it seemed that the addition of kiwifruit to the mixed polysaccharide gels could improve the thennal stability of the gels. The syneresis of the gel increased with increasing storage time, whereas the addition of kiwifruit to the gel resulted in suppression of syneresis. With regard to the rupture properties, stress, energy and strain, they were all decreased with increasing kiwifruit contents. The TPA properties, adhesiveness, hardness and chewiness increased and cohesiveness decreased with increasing kiwifruit contents. The results showed that the gel became tough and adhesive, and could be easily broken under small deformation, with increasing kiwifruit contents. The sensory evaluation showed that the green color, aroma, sweetness and sourness increased with increasing kiwifruit contents. The texture, adhesiveness, springiness and cohesiveness decreased, and brittleness and hardness increased, with increasing kiwifruit contents. The overall acceptability of the gel with 30% kiwifruit content was the highest. Thus, mixed polysaccharide gels made from kiwifruits could be useful, as the addition of kiwifruit to a mixed polysaccharide gel results in a good aroma, taste and stability, despite a lowering of the textural properties.