This investigation aimed to explore the antioxidant potential of date
fruit extract using butter as an oxidation substrate on the basis of
certain instrumental, orthodox analytical techniques and sensory
characteristics. The objectives of this study were to characterize the
date extract for polyphenolic compounds, free radical scavenging
activity and inhibition of nitric oxide macromolecules and to study the
effect of various concentrations of the date palm extract on oxidative
stability and sensory characteristics. The butter was added with date
palm extract and compared with a control, stored at refrigeration and
ambient temperature during winter months for 90-days at the interval of
30-days. Supplementation of butters with date palm fruit extract
revealed a significant effect on inhibition of peroxide, anisidine and
iodine values. Sensory evaluation of supplemented butter added with
various concentrations of date palm extract stored revealed the effect
of treatments, storage period and their interaction to be significant.
The results indicate that ethanolic date palm extract can be used as
natural antioxidant source for the long term storage of butter at
ambient temperature.