Abstract
This study aims to investigate the antioxidant, physicochemical and functional properties of convection-, vacuum-and freeze-dried stink bean (Parkia speciosa) powder upon storage at various relative humidity (RH) at room temperature, 25 °C. Both convection- and vacuum-dried samples exhibited stronger DPPH free radical scavenging activity (7.62 ± 1.77 and 10.38 ± 0.63 mg AA/g·db respectively) and ferric ion-chelating (FIC) ability (16.55 ± 1.29 and 18.88 ± 2.36 mg/mL·db respectively) compared to the fresh and freeze-dried samples. Stink bean powder had low water solubility index, water holding capacity and oil holding capacity but it had the potential as emulsifier in food systems. Apparent formation of clumps were observed after 25-day storage of powder at RH of 43%, 54% or 75% due to absorption of moisture from surroundings. Generally, the antioxidant properties and colour of the powders deteriorated after storage especially at higher RH. Vacuum drying would be the most suitable drying method to produce stink bean powder because of its enhanced antioxidant capacities, light colour and relatively more stable after storage.