Anethum Graveolens L. Microgreen Incorporated Pulse-Based Gluten-Free Crackers: A Potential Functional Snack

Abstract

Crackers were formulated with pulse flours – Chickpea and Pea along with the incorporation of Anethum Graveolens L. microgreens to develop an end product that is rich in protein, fibre, and micronutrients, gluten-free and low in glycemic index. Microgreens are tiny greens that are often harvested in an immature state that are loaded with innumerable benefits thus, Anethum Graveolens L. was utilized as a part of the study. The main goal was to develop a gluten-free snack that was rich in micronutrients due to the lack of availability of such products in the market. The crackers were inflicted to different analyses that included – sensory analysis, physicochemical analysis, proximate analysis, antioxidant analysis (DPPH Radical Scavenging Activity-DRSA and Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power- FRAP) , texture analysis, microbial analysis, and shelf-life analysis. Results exhibited that the crackers had a remarkable consumer acceptance, were nutrient-dense, had potential antioxidant activity, minimal microbial activity, and had an extended shelf-life. The crackers weighed 3.0±1.0g per unit and the average pH of the crackers was 6.09±0.34. They were rich in protein (28.4g), dietary fibre (3.99g) micronutrients, high in antioxidants (DRSA-21.4% and FRAP-575.71 µM Fe(II)/g), and had low fat (9.19g) content per 100g of the crackers. Thus, the Anethum graveolens L. microgreen incorporated pulse-based gluten-free crackers are an ideal snack with phenomenal potential.