Effect of kumquat (Fortunella margarita) powders dried by different methods on some physical and chemical properties of cake

Kumquat which is the smallest citrus fruit with an edible peel is a member of the Fortunella genus in the Rutaceae family. High nutritional value kumquat has been used as a therapeutic in folk medicine for so long, scientific studies showed its therapeutic effect against diseases. In this study; different drying methods (convection, microwave and vacuum) were applied to kumquat fruits, and kumquat powders were obtained. The kumquat powders were used in the production of cakes at 0, 10, 20 and 30% substitution rates based on the wheat flour used. Physical (color, texture, weight, volume index and symmetry index), chemical (moisture, ash, crude fat, crude protein, carbohydrate, energy, pH, total phenolic and phytic acid content) and sensory properties were evaluated in cake samples. Generally, kumquat powder substitution in cake samples improved the visual characteristics. But increased substitution rate had negative effects on physical properties. When the kumquat powder substitution rate increased from 0 to 30%; total phenolic content increased from 525.64 to 1253.58 μg of GAE/g and phytic acid content decreased from 88.86 to 42.22 mg/100 g. Also, it was seen that total phenolic and phytic acid contents of samples positively affected by microwave and vacuum drying. 10% of kumquat powder substitution provided superior sensory properties. According to the data obtained in the study, it is recommended to use microwave and vacuum dried kumquat powders as an additive to improve the sensory properties and increase the functionality of bakery products.