This study evaluated the quality characteristics of muffins prepared with different amounts (0%, 1%, 3%, 5%, and 7%) of moringa (Moringa oleifera Lam.) leaf powder (MLP). The weight of muffins increased as the amount of MLP increased. The height and pH of muffins significantly decreased as the amount of MLP increased (P<0.05). The moisture content was higher in groups containing 3% MLP. The hardness was higher at 0% MLP. Cohesiveness decreased as the amount of MLP increased (P<0.05), whereas springiness was not significantly different among all samples. Chewiness and brittleness decreased with increasing MLP concentration. Substitution of wheat flour with MLP yielded muffins with a higher 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity and total polyphenol content (P<0.05). Alcohol dehydrogenase and acetaldehyde dehydrogenase activity significantly increased upon addition of MLP (P<0.05). In the sensory evaluation, appearance scores of muffins were higher in groups containing 7% MLP, whereas taste, flavor, texture, and overall acceptability scores were lowest in muffins with 7% MLP. Therefore, up to 3% MLP can be incorporated into muffins to satisfy the sensory quality and functional needs of the consumer. Furthermore, this study proposes the possibility of development of various products using MLP.

Keywords: muffin, moringa (Moringa oleifera Lam.), quality characteristics, DPPH radical scavenging activity, alcohol dehydrogenase