Physicochemical and Sensory Quality of Noodle with Taro and Gembus Flour

Consuming low glycemic index (GI) foods is crucial for managing glycemic control in people with diabetes mellitus (DM). Meanwhile, taro (Colocasia esculenta L. Schott) flour, recognized for low GI and resistant starch content, along with gembus flour, rich in fiber and protein, are potential substitutes in the formulation of dried noodle designed for DM diets. This study aimed to investigate five formulations namely F0 to F4 with varying percentages of taro and gembus flour using a completely randomized design. The parameters analyzed include energy content, proximate composition (carbohydrates, protein, fat, moisture, ash), dietary fiber, resistant starch, starch digestibility (using Kjeldahl, Soxhlet, and AACC 66-50 methods), as well as cooking quality. Statistical analysis used Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney, and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with post-hoc tests to assess differences. Organoleptic quality was evaluated using hedonic and Just About Right (JAR) scales, while GI and glycemic load (GL) were determined by comparing glucose response curves. The results showed that higher gembus flour content reduced energy content, carbohydrates, starch digestibility, and GL, while increasing protein, fat, ash, dietary fiber, resistant starch, and cooking loss. The optimal formulation, F4 (20% taro flour, 20% gembus flour), was favored due to the balanced nutritional profile indicated by lower levels of carbohydrates and fat with higher levels of protein and fiber, as well as consumer preference. In conclusion, substituting taro and gembus flour in dried noodle significantly impacts nutritional composition, cooking quality, organoleptic attributes, and glycemic response, making both suitable alternatives for managing DM dietary needs

Determination of Optimum Conditions for Biodiesel Synthesis from Bulk Palm Oil Using Red Mud-CaO Catalyst

The synthesis of biodiesel from bulk palm oil using methanol and a heterogeneous catalyst, red mud-CaO, has been carried out. This research aimed to investigate the effect of the ratio of red mud-CaO, percent catalyst, and reaction time on the conversion of methyl ester. Red mud and CaO catalysts were obtained from calcining red mud and clay bath CaCO3 (calcium carbonate) waste at 200°C and 900 o C for 5 and 4 hours, respectively. Biodiesel synthesis was carried out by adding bulk palm oil:methanol (1:10 v/v) and red mud-CaO heated for 1, 2, and 3 hours at 65 o C. In addition, the reaction was followed using thin-layer chromatography (TLC) and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrophotometry (GC-MS). Optimum reaction conditions were obtained at the ratio of red mud-CaO (1:1 w/w), catalyst 5%, and time of 2 hours indicated by the total formation of methyl ester on TLC plate. Meanwhile, red mudCaO (1:1 w/w) catalyst was characterized by x-ray diffraction (XRD) and x-ray fluorescence (XRF) to determine the crystal structure and element composition. The analysis was carried out using Fourier transform infra-red (FTIR) to determine the functional groups of catalyst. XRD characterization results showed that there were 4 highest peaks, namely 29.29° (CaCO3 ), 33.99° and 17.93° (Ca(OH)2 ), and 11.59° (aluminum silicate mineral). The 4 highest elemental contents were Ca, Fe, Al, and Si. FTIR characterization showed the peak wavenumbers 3641.60 cm -1 (Ca(OH)2 ),1423.47 cm -1 (O-C-O bond of carbonate), 981.77 cm -1 and 986.69 cm -1 (Si-O), 875.68 cm -1 and 713.66 cm -1 (Ca-O), 366.48 cm -1 (Al-O), and 426.27 cm -1 (Fe-O). According to GC-MS analysis, the most formed methyl ester compositions were methyl oleate (47.35%) and methyl palmitate (40.13%)

Formulation, Characteristics and Viability Probiotics Cell of Biscuit Production from Hotong Flour (Setaria italica (L) Beauv.), Walnut (Canarium indicum L.), Enriched by Probiotic Cream

Hotong (Setaria italica (L) Beauv.) and walnut (Canarium indicum L.) are nutrient-rich local foods from Maluku Province, Indonesia, significant health. In this context, biscuit enriched with probiotic cream are a recommended snack for enhancing nutrition and promoting balance of the intestinal microflora, at a sufficient quantity of 107 log CFU/g. Therefore, this study aimed to objectively evaluate the physicochemical and organoleptic characteristics of biscuit, as well as assess probiotic viability. The used was a completely randomized design (CRD) with three different formulation treatments containing hotong flour and walnut at ratios of 40%:10% (F1), 35%:15% (F2), and 30%:20% (F3). Probiotic cell viability was analyzed at temperatures of 20 °C, 37 °C, and 45 °C. The results showed that F3 had the most favorable formulation regarding nutritional adequacy rate with 173 kcal energy, 10% fat,  4.41% protein, 5.20% carbohydrate, and 2 g sugar. It featured a crisp texture and increasingly darker colors, in line with the outcomes of sensory evaluations. F3 was the preferred, achieving high scores for color (5.38), taste (6.13), aroma (5.13), breakability (5.86), crispness (6), aftertaste (5.02), and overall quality (6.03). Cell viability for all treatments was higher at 20 °C and remained above 107 log CFU/g

Isolation and Production of γ-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) from Lactic Acid Bacteria from Seredele, a Balinese Fermented Soybean

γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a major inhibitory neurotransmitter with beneficial effects on human health. Therefore, this study aimed to isolate lactic acid bacteria (LAB) from seredele, a Balinese fermented soybean, with GABA-producing potential. 16S rRNA sequencing was used to assess bacterial communities in seredele, with Providencia, Enterococcus, Vagococcus, and Bacillus identified as the predominant genera. The results showed that strains S11B and S211K produced the highest GABA levels and were identified as Limosilactobacillus fermentum and Enterococcus faecium, respectively. E. faecium S211K had maximum GABA production at 24 hours of cultivation, while L. fermentum S11B had maximal production at 48 hours. Both strains remained viable for up to 120 hours of cultivation. In conclusion, seredele serves as a source for isolating GABA-producing LAB, emphasizing the significance of local LAB with functional properties

Effect of Withering and Drying Process of Cemara Udang (Casuarina equisetifolia) Leaves to Functional Herbal Tea

The industry is intensively producing health product from herbal plants to combat free radicals and prevent the potential of cancer disease in the body. In Indonesia, Cemara Udang (Casuarina equisetifolia) leaves have been investigated as herbal tea product for antioxidant purposes as a free radical scavenger from various plants. This herbal tea requires significant attention during processing to produce a quality final product. Therefore, this research aimed to examine the effect of setting withering times of 14 and 16 hours, along with a drying temperature of 40 and 50 °C on cemara udang leaves. Product quality was evaluated based on the chemical components and nutritional characteristics of tea, such as moisture content, pH, antioxidant activity, total phenolic content, and vitamin C, as well as sensory aspects. The evaluation was carried out based on the degree of preference for color, aroma, and taste. Fresh cemara udang samples had 46.57% moisture content, pH 7.05, 131.53 µg/mL IC50 value, 1.53 mg/100 g total phenolic, and 43.46% vitamin C. Based on the degree of preference, color, flavor, and taste hedonic score had 3.11, 2.57, and 1.94 out of 7.00, respectively. Tea of cemara udang that was withered for 16 hours and dried at 50°C showed good quality stability with favorable sensory attributes. This varies significantly compared to the control, with 10.32% moisture content, pH 7.04, 137.94 µg/mL IC50 value, 1.2 mg/100 g total phenolic, and 29.26% vitamin C. Furthermore, color, flavor, and taste hedonic scores had 6.37, 6.03, and 6.27 out of 7.00, respectively

Snacking Habits and Level Acceptance of Freeze-Dried Probiotic Yogurt Snacks by Children

Stunting in children is a significant problem worldwide, specifically in developing countries. One of the contributing factors to this condition is dysbiosis, characterized by an imbalance in gut microbiota and is commonly observed in affected patients. To reduce the prevalence of stunting, it is critical to provide products that are rich in protein, calcium, and probiotic. In this context, freeze-dried probiotic yogurt snacks can be used as an effective solution due to their high nutritional value, ability to preserve probiotic cell viability, and extended shelf life. Therefore, this study aims to determine snacking habits and level of acceptance of yogurt snacks among children through a sensory evaluation. The result showed that parents often considered taste, health benefits, and price when purchasing snacks. Meanwhile, children showed a high preference for freeze-dried probiotic yogurt snacks, particularly due to their appealing shape. Panelist parents also considered the products to be necessary, recommended, and an alternative to unhealthy snacks. Therefore, these products may be suitable for upper-middle-class consumers due to their higher prices and will require taste improvement to increase consumer acceptance among children

The Effect of Red-Blue Led Intensity on the Growth and Yield of Lettuce Varieties Cultivated Using NFT Hydroponics

Optimizing the growth of lettuce (Lactuca sativa) under controlled lighting conditions is essential for improving indoor farming systems. Therefore, this study aims to examine the effect of the intensity of 3030 LED (light emitting diode) type 7520 red-blue Grow Light on the growth of 3 Lettuce varieties, which were cultivated using NFT hydroponics. The study procedures were carried out using Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with 2 factors. These factors included 1) intensity of the red-blue SMD 3030 LED Grow Light type 7520 with levels of 0%, 30%, 70%, and 100%, and 2) lettuce varieties, namely Batavia Caipira, Red Rapid, and New Grand Rapid. Data obtained were analyzed for variance at the 5% level and the Honest Significant Difference Test at the 5% level. The results showed that giving a red-blue SMD 3030 type 7520 LED Grow Light with an intensity of 100% to Batavia Caupa lettuce variety produced the highest number of leaves at 35, 42, and 45 days after sowing (DAS). Moreover, an intensity of 70% led to greater plant height, which was observed to be better at 45 days after sowing. LED lights with 100% intensity promoted superior growth in leaf area, fresh stover weight, and fresh root weight compared to other intensities. New Grand Rapid variety exhibited a plant height of 47 cm, a leaf area of 109.1 cm², a fresh stem weight of 144.2 g, and a dry root weight of 1.8 g, outperforming the other varieties. Meanwhile, Batavia Caipira variety produced a greater number of leaves (29.3 leaves) compared to others