The physico-chemical, oxidative and sensory characteristics of fried rice snack, yukwa with different
amounts of turmeric powder (Curcuma longa) were investigated. The moisture content of the pallet ranged
from 16.47% to 19.84%. After frying the pallet, a slight decrease in the degree of expansion was
obtained with increasing turmeric powder content. The textural properties of yukwa were not changed
until the turmeric powder content reached 5%; however, over 8% addition induced a decrease in the
hardness and an increase in the crispiness. Oxidative deterioration was effectively inhibited by turmeric
powder addition, and more turmeric powder in yukwa led to higher free radical scavenging activity.
Based on the sensory characteristics, a 5% addition of turmeric powder was the most acceptable for
the yukwa product. In the correlation results among variables, the moisture content of the pallet proved
to be the most important factor for yukwa quality.