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In this study, bee pollen at different levels (3, 6, 9, 12 and 15%) was added to the gluten-free cake containing corn starch and the samples were evaluated in terms of physiochemical and technological properties. The results showed that the addition of bee pollen had no significant effect on the consistency of the batter (p <0.05). However, it reduced the pH and increased the density and specific gravity of the batter. Cake volume was increased from 104.7 mL in the control to 112.3 mL in 6% pollen sample and then decreased significantly (p<0.05). A similar trend was observed for specific volume. The height of cake loaf was 5.3 cm in control that was decreased to 4.7 cm in 15% pollen cake. Incorporating bee pollen reduced baking loss,so the sample with 15% pollen had the lowest baking loss. Moreover, adding pollen to the gluten-free cake was associated with an increase in moisture, ash and browning index values and a decrease in its water activity. The porosity and microstructure analysis showed that addition of bee pollen increased cake porosity (from 20.3 to 30.8%) and the average cell area of the samples (from 5.1 to 14.7 per cm2) in comparison with control sample. In addition, sensory analysis showed that cakes containing 6 and 9% pollen had the highest overall acceptance compared to other samples. Therefore, medium levels of bee pollen can be used to produce functional glutenfree cakes with desirable sensory and technological characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At the present study the quality and the physicochemical properties of the honey from east Azarbaijan markets were evaluated. In this study, 15 honey samples from Ahar, Tabriz and Kaleibar were collected randomly. At first the samples were transferred to the laboratory and preparation for tests such as solids content, moisture, pH, specific gravity, acidity, reducing sugars and non-reducing sugars (sucrose) and hydroxyl-methyl-furfural were performed. The results indicated that the moisture content for all samples are lower than world standards. Honey Samples from Ahar and Tabriz regions significantly had higher content of soluble solid compounds and specific gravity in compared to Kaleibar honey samples. The samples from Tabriz and Kaleibar significantly had high acidity and lower pH in compared to Ahar samples (P<0.05). Furthermore, all samples had desirable content of reducing sugars, non-reducing sugars (sucrose) and hydroxyl-methyl-furfural according to Codex and International Standards. The results of this study showed that the honey samples that were obtained from Tabriz, Kaleibar and Ahar regions have desirable quality characteristics according to national and international standards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]