Basil seed gum (BSG), as a novel source of hydrocolloid, was used at two
concentrations (0.1% or 0.2%) to stabilize ice cream, and its impact on selected
physical and structural properties, especially ice crystal size, was compared to a
commercial blend of carboxymethyl cellulose and guar gums (0.1% or 0.2%) and
to an unstabilized control. Samples were temperature cycled at subzero temperatures
and ice crystal size was measured before and after cycling. There was no significant
difference in ice crystal size after hardening, but the presence of BSG reduced ice
recrystallization compared to commercial gums and no stabilizer. The addition of
BSG reduced the rate of ice crystal growth by 30–40% compared to the commercially
stabilized ice creams. BSG also decreased the meltdown rate and increased the
particle size, thus suggesting that BSG produced a different structure compared to
the controls, possibly by lowering the air and fat interfacial tensions. More studies are
needed to understand the mechanisms of action of BSG in cryoprotection and its role
as a stabilizer and as an emulsifier in ice cream.
Keywords Cryoprotection . Frozen dessert . Heat shock . Stabilizer . Structure