Evaluation of Egyptian Chia ( Salvia hispanica L.) Seeds , Oil and Mucilage as Novel Food Ingredients

Abstract

Due to the great potential of chia (Salvia hispanica L.) seeds as a new promising food, this investigation was carried out to characterize the Egyptian chia seeds comparing with an imported one. Physical, chemical and technological properties of both seeds were determined. The results showed that the local chia seeds had slightly higher length, width, lightness (L*), redness (a*), yellowness (b*) , kernel percentage and relatively smaller seed index, thickness, bulk density and hull percentage than imported one. The content of lipids (~34%), proteins (~24%), crude fiber (~20%), mucilage (~7%) was relatively higher, ash (~4.5%) and nitrogen free extract (~9%) was slightly lower in imported than local chia seeds. Caloric value of both seeds was nearly similar, 522 kcal/100 g. Potassium, phosphorus and copper value was higher and sodium, zinc, manganese, magnesium and iron content was lower in imported than local chia seeds. The crude oil of both seeds had amber color, clear appearance, nearly the same constants and separated by TLC technique into identical seven classes and triglyceride groups. The major oil class was triglycerides and the main triglycerides were the nine double bonds group. Up to 5o% of chia seed oil fatty acids was polyunsaturated mainly linolenic (~63%) and linoleic (~17 %) acids .Saturated to unsaturated and ω6 to ω3 fatty acids ratio's in chia seed oil were 1: 9.5 and 1: 3.5, respectively. Whole seeds and its flour, oil and mucilage were used in preparing cold and hot drinks, corn cake, biscuits, salad dressing, jam like product and jelly. The sensory characteristics of these products were well accepted by panelists.