JOURNAL OF FOOD PROCESSING AND PRESERVATION, cilt.44, sa.9, 2020 (SCI-Expanded)
Red cabbage is an attractive vegetable with its rich anthocyanin content, antioxidant potential, and coloring properties. The aim of this study was to determine the properties of lyophilized red cabbage water extract (LRCWE) obtained from fresh red cabbage and the usability of different ratios (0%, 0.4%, 0.6%, 0.8%, 1.0%, and 1.2%) of this extract in the production of pastirma cemen paste. LRCWE had high total phenolic content, anthocyanin content, and antioxidant activity properties. The results showed that besides the increased total phenolic content, anthocyanin content, and antioxidant potential of pastirma cemen paste, the addition of LRCWE significantly improved the desired redness (a*) and consumer acceptability compared to control samples. The best results in terms of redness, functional, bioactive, and sensory properties were determined in cemen pastes containing 1.0% and 1.2% LRCWE. In conclusion, the utilization of 1.0% and 1.2% LRCWE can be recommended as an alternative natural additive to synthetic colorants used in the production of pastirma cemen paste and threatening human health.