Pilosocereus gounellei (xique-xique) flour: Improving the nutritional, bioactive, and technological properties of probiotic goat-milk yogurt

In this study, we evaluate the technological, nutritional, and bioactivity effects on goat-milk yogurt of adding different concentrations of xique-xique flour: 1.0% (XY1%) and 2.0% (XY2%). The goat-milk yogurts (stored under refrigeration) also contained Limosilactobacillus mucosae CNPC007 (an autochthonous strain). The XY1% and XY2% treatments presented greater intensity in terms of color (yellow), and greater luminosity (L*) during storage than the control yogurt (CY). Up to the 14th day of storage, the XY1% and XY2% treatments presented greater viscosity values as well. During storage, as in any fermentation process, a reduction in lactose (hydrolysis) was observed, with a greater release of simple sugars glucose and galactose and a concomitant increase in the lactic acid content. The PCA confirmed that these behaviors were more evident from the 14th day of the XY1% treatment, and on the 28th day in XY2% treatment. After 28 days of storage, XY2% presented higher counts of L. mucosae CNPC007, with higher mineral, total phenolic compounds, and flavonoid contents, as well as greater antioxidant activity (by FRAP). Xique-xique flour can be used to produce goat-milk yogurt without negatively affecting its technological characteristics, adding both nutritional and functional value to the product.