Effect of Adding Freeze-dried Kale Powder on Physicochemical, Functional, and Sensory Properties of Fresh Pasta

Nutritionally enhanced pasta was prepared using wheat flour substituted with freeze-dried kale powder at ratios of 1%, 3%, and 5%. Pasta incorporated with 5% kale powder significantly exhibited the highest fiber and total ash content values. Replacing wheat flour with freeze-dried kale powder resulted in higher cooking time and cooking loss but, decreased water absorption due to lesser wheat flour. Similarly, higher kale powder incorporated reduced tensile strength and elasticity. Increased kale content decreased brightness, increased greenness, but no significant difference in yellowness of the pasta, and increased antioxidant and antimicrobial capacity. At 3% of kale powder, the pasta showed a good level of all attributes except for odor, which had the highest negative responses when the kale increased to 5%. Hence, the increased concentration of freeze-dried kale powder on physicochemical properties could enhance the functional potential of the pasta required for maintaining healthy health.