Effectiveness of cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) or bay leaf (Laurus nobilis L.) powder in improving the quality of Labneh.

Background: Herbs and spices are natural ingredients that have been widely used not just as food flavouring but also for their health attributes. The antioxidant, antimicrobial and anticancer components present in them enhance the health and medical status of human beings. The present study aims to produce Labneh fortified with cardamom and bay leaf powder to enhance the quality and shelf life.

Methods: Cardamom or bay leaf powder were added separately at the ratios of 0.25, 0.50, 0.75 and 1% (w/w) to Labneh and the treatments were compared with a control without cardamom or bay leaf powder during storage (at 5 ±1°C for 40 days).

Results: The total solids, fat, ash, carbohydrate and fiber contents were insignificantly higher in Labneh containing cardamom or bay leaf powder than control. The titratable acidity of Labneh gradually increased, whereas the pH values decreased by increasing the concentration of cardamom or bay leaf powder during the storage period. No significant differences were found in any textural parameters between Labneh containing condiments and control, except for that containing 1% cardamom or bay leaf powder, which exhibited higher hardness during the storage period. Minerals, antioxidants activity (RSA%), total phenolic (TPC) and total flavonoids content (TFC) increased with the increase of the added percentage of cardamom or bay leaf powder compared to control. Due to the stimulatory effect of cardamom and bay leaves on Lactic acid bacteria (LAB), the viability of the total bacterial count (TBC) gradually increased as the level of those condiments increased. The control became moldy after 10 days of cold storage while Labneh containing condiments remained unspoiled with yeasts and moulds for up to 30 days of cold storage. Sensory evaluation indicated that 1% addition of cardamom and 0.75% of bay leaf powder to Labneh improved quality and extends the shelf life of Labneh up to 30 days at 5 ±1°C.

Conclusions: Labneh supplemented with cardamom or bay leaf powder can be considered as a novel product with acceptable quality and extended shelf life.