Summary: | This study aimed to evaluate the effect of prebiotics (Jerusalem artichoke syrup and commercial inulin) on the characteristics of Prunus dulcis var “Non Pareil” almond beverages, inoculated with probiotics (Streptococcus salivarius subsp. thermophilus and Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus). The inulin content obtained in the Jerusalem artichoke syrup was 2.25 grams of inulin per 100 grams of total fructans, in the sample at 7°Bx. The fermented products were evaluated for physicochemical, microbiological and sensory properties during cold storage (4°C) for 28 days. The fermented beverages with the addition of Jerusalem artichoke syrup showed higher acidity (lower pH value and higher lactic acid content), and higher density than the product made with commercial inulin. The addition of Jerusalem artichoke syrup affected the textural parameters. The products showed less hardness, stickiness, gumminess and higher values of cohesiveness and elasticity than those made with commercial inulin. The sample with the highest sensory preference was the one prepared with commercial inulin and a filtered vegetable beverage. The concentration of lactic bacteria remained higher in the samples with Jerusalem artichoke syrup with the same proportion of inulin than the samples with commercial prebiotic, during 21 days of storage under refrigeration.
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