Synergistic interactions between konjac-mannan and xanthan/tragacanth gums in tomato ketchup: Physical, rheological, and textural properties.

In this research, simultaneous contribution of konjac-mannan (0.3%), xanthan (0.3%), and tragacanth (0.3%) gums in tomato ketchup was investigated comparing the physicochemical, rheological, texture, and sensory properties with the control sample containing 0.3% xanthan gum. Samples selected through viscosity and syneresis evaluation of the nine prepared samples were analyzed by color, flow behavior, frequency sweep, particle size, texture, and sensory experiments. Results indicated that increasing xanthan concentration did not have any significant effect on the apparent viscosity while considerable improvement was observed in the physical stability of ketchups containing konjac-mannan/xanthan ascribed to smaller particles with larger contact surfaces encouraging gel network formation. Highest a* and a*/b* was observed for konjac-mannan/xanthan (0.075%/0.225%) in which formation of hydrated gel granules of gums intensifies light diffraction due to the decreased particle size. This synergistically formed viscous three-dimensional gel network is responsible for the highest cohesiveness and gumminess of the same sample between the ketchup formulations containing two gums. Organoleptic properties of ketchup samples containing konjac-mannan/xanthan showed no significant difference with the control sample. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Development of modern food technologies along with the lifestyle changes over the past few decades and grown public awareness of the relevance between health and nutrition have considerably increased the consumption of ready meals containing low-fat and fiber-rich functional condiments. Ketchup is a popular sauce thickened with tomato pulp powder, potato or corn starch, modified starch, and severally available hydrocolloids such as carboxymethyl cellulose, xanthan, guar, and locust bean gum. In this research work, mixtures of konjac-mannan and xanthan/tragacanth hydrocolloids are used to produce new ketchups with improved physical and rheological properties and lower prices.