Functionality of Muffins Fortified with Apple Pomace: Nutritional, Textural, and Sensory Aspects

Apple pomace resulting from juice processing and thermal processing (50 °C/12 h and 80 °C/5 h) were optimized in order to obtain apple pomace powders with an organoleptic profile suitable as ingredients in food products. Proximate composition (moisture, titratable acidity, ash, soluble substances, and fat content) was analyzed using ISO standard methods. The Folin–Ciocâlteu method, a DPPH (2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) test, and flavonoid determination were used to assess antioxidant potential and bioactive compound contents. Antimicrobial potential and cytotoxic and anti-proliferative potential were also assessed. Aroma was characterized by a volatile compound analysis performed using ITEX/GC-MS for the by-products, the powder, and some muffins developed with the proposed functional ingredient. For the sensory analysis of muffins, the acceptability was evaluated using the hedonic test and texture analysis was done using the CT3 Texture Analyzer. The cytotoxic potential of the methanol extracts of the by-products ranged between 70.42 and 78.80%. The hedonic test revealed that the evaluators highly appreciated the aroma, which was attributed to the volatile compounds responsible for the pleasant aroma. The addition of 20% apple pomace powder led to similar texture and sensory scores to the reference samples.