An evaluation of the quality characteristics of kefir fortified with olive (Olea europaea) leaf extract

Abstract

PurposeThis study aims to produce a new type of healthy functional kefir by adding olive (Olea europaea) leaf extract and to determine its potential effect on the quality (physicochemical, sensory, phenolic contents and antioxidant properties) of kefir samples during storage at 4°C for 21 days.Design/methodology/approachFor this purpose, four kefir samples were produced by using olive leaf extract in different amounts (A: 0% (control), B: 0.1%, C: 0.15% and D: 0.35%). The physicochemical, sensory, phenolic contents and antioxidant properties of kefir samples were investigated during Days 1, 7, 14 and 21 of storage. The study was conducted to optimize the olive leaf extract addition level to obtain better-quality kefir functional food.FindingsFrom the results, it was determined that the addition of olive leaf extract affected the entire chemical components of the kefir samples (p < 0.05). It was found that the pH value decreased during storage. By contrast, it was observed that titration acidity values increased. The kefir sample with 0.35% olive leaf extract (D) had the highest total phenolic and antioxidant activity content (1,292.75 mg GAE/L and 10.20 mM TE, respectively) among the samples (p < 0.05). In the sensory analyses, the kefir sample with the highest score – in terms of sensory attributes – was the kefir sample containing 0.15% olive leaf extract (C).Originality/valueThus, it was concluded that kefir with added olive leaf extract could serve as a functional kefir of benefit to human health. When we looked at the enrichment studies on kefir as a functional product, no study has been found on the use of olive (Olea europaea) leaf extract, especially with kefir. In this sense, it is thought that the study will contribute to published literature.

Production of Acid and Rennet-Coagulated Cheese Enriched by Olive (Olea europaea L.) Leaf Extract—Determining the Optimal Point of Supplementation and Its Effects on Curd Characteristics

“…An increase in AA was also observed in the whey remaining after acid coagulation, which was significantly higher compared to enzymatic coagulation (p < 0.0001), correlating with the results of the TP (Figure 3). Although the influence of OLE on the AA of cheese has not been studied in detail, some previous studies have also shown that the addition of OLE leads to an increase in the antioxidant activity of yogurt [8,19] and kefir [54]-dairy products that are also produced by acid coagulation.…”

Green Biogenic of Silver Nanoparticles Using Polyphenolic Extract of Olive Leaf Wastes with Focus on Their Anticancer and Antimicrobial Activities

“…Rutin is effective against P. aeruginosa bacteria, Candida albicans , and Candida neoformans . Several studies have revealed that the phenolic components of olive leaf extract, particularly oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol, have powerful antioxidant and anticancer properties [ 11 , 12 , 13 ].…”