Abstract

In this research, phytochemical properties of lemon verbena and oxidative stability of the fat component in cookies (contain lemon verbena powder and EO) were investigated. The essential oil (EO) profile and polyphenol compounds were identified by GC/MS and HPLC, respectively. Different concentrations of lemon verbena powder and EO were added to the cookies in comparison with TBHQ. The oxidative stability of fat component in cookies (peroxide value, p-Anisidine, TOTOX value), along with the physicochemical (pH, acidity, weight loss, and moisture content) and sensory properties of the cookies were evaluated over a period of 6 months during storage at room temperature. The main constituents of EO are geranial (27.21%), neral (20.01%), spathulenol (7.28%), and limonene, while trans-Ferulic acid (6.71 mg/g), Hesperidin (1.87 mg/g), and ρ-Coumaric acid (0.04 mg/g) were measured as main phenolic compounds. The peroxide value increased in all samples for the first 2 months of storage and then decreased as hydroperoxide was converted to secondary oxidation products. The p-Anisidine value increased in all samples during storage. This parameter was lower in cookies containing lemon verbena EO and TBHQ treatments. Sensory evaluations of cookies showed that lemon verbena EO had positive effects on the aroma and taste of cookies during storage, whereas lemon verbena powder had adverse effects on mouthfeel and consumer acceptance. The results showed that lemon verbena can increase the eating quality, prolong the shelf life, and maintain the integrity of bakery products with high-fat content.