The effects of addition prickly pear (Opuntia ficus-Indica) at different levels on some properties of probiotic fruityoghurt

In this study, probiotic (Lactobacillus rhamnosus) set type yoghurts were produced by adding different amounts of prickly pear fruit pulp (0, 6, 8 and 10%) to cow's milk and physicochemical, textural, microbiological and sensory properties of yoghurts stored at 14 ° C for 14 days were determined. Inulin addition positive control (K2) yoghurt was also used for microbiology analysis. The composition and mineral profiles of yoghurts on the first day of storage and serum separations, water holding capacity, color values, textural and sensory properties, bioactive components, number of yogurt bacteria and probiotic culture of yoghurts were determined during storage. The addition of fruit had a significant effect on the pH, serum separation, water holding capacity, L *, a *, b * values, consistency, cohesiveness, viscosity index, appearance, structure, aroma and total acceptability scores of the yoghurts, Lb. delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus, Streptococcus thermophilus ve Lb. rhamnosus, encouraged the growth of probiotic bacteria and increased total carotenoid, betalain, ascorbic acid, antioxidant activity and Ca, K, Na, Mg, Fe, Zn, Cu and Mn minerals. When all analysis results are examined; it was determined that probiotic yogurts with added prickly pear fruit pulp were consumable in all ratios and did not have any strange and unwanted taste, smell and aroma. It was concluded that yoghurts containing maximum 8% prickly pear had superior properties in terms of bioactive components and that these ratios can be recommended for industrial production as fruit probiotic yogurt with increased functional properties. Keyword: Yogurt, prickly pear fruit, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, textural, mineral