Physicochemical Properties, Antioxidant Capacities, and Sensory Evaluation of Yanggaeng Treated with Cissus quadrangularis

This study investigated the impact of incorporating Cissus quadrangularis (CQ) powder into Yanggaeng, a traditional Korean food, focusing on its functional properties. This study examined the proximate composition, physicochemical characteristics, antioxidant capabilities, sensory attributes, and consumer preferences of Yanggaeng when treated with different levels (CON [0%], CQ2 [2%], CQ4 [4%], and CQ6 [6%]) of CQ powder. Yanggaeng with CQ powder exhibited a significantly reduced pH, and among the CQ additive groups the highest degrees Brix value was observed in CQ2. The water holding capacity (WHC) decreased after adding CQ powder. The color properties of Yanggaeng with CQ powder, including L*, a*, and b*, were measured. L* values dose-dependently decreased as the amount of CQ powder increased. Conversely, a* values increased significantly with CQ powder addition compared with CON, and b* values were highest in CQ2. Similarly, the browning index (BI) increased in the CQ powder treatment groups compared with CON. The antioxidative properties of Yanggaeng with CQ powder were evaluated by measuring the total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), 1,1-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 6-hydroxy-2,5,7,8-tetramethylchroman-2-carboxylic acid (ABTS) radical scavenging activities, and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). The antioxidant capacity dose-dependently increased with higher levels of CQ powder added. Regarding the texture profile of Yanggaeng, compared with the control group, adding CQ powder caused decreased hardness, gumminess, and chewiness. In consumer preference evaluations, CQ2 showed similarities to CON in all aspects (color, scent, flavor, sweetness, taste, chewiness, overall acceptance, and purchase intention). Therefore, incorporating CQ powder, a natural and edible antioxidative ingredient, into Yanggaeng may be acceptable to consumers despite significant changes in its physicochemical properties.