Effect of Flaxseed Gum on Quality and Stability of a Model Salad Dressing¹

Flaxseed gum was evaluated for its application as a stabilizer for salad dressing. It was found that for stabilization to occur the concentration of gum had to be higher than 0.45% (w/w). Solvent quality affected the stability of model oil‐in‐water emulsions. Flaxseed gum stabilized emulsions were stable at pHs greater than 2.8. Lower values caused the polysaccharide to have a compact configuration or caused cleavage of the polymer creating instability. Larger mean droplet size and creaming were observed when the pH was too low or the gum concentration was not sufficient for coverage. Salt addition greatly affected the rheological properties of the polysaccharide; however, the electrolyte improved the emulsifying capabilities of the egg yolk protein. Aging weakened the polymer network structure as shown by a decrease in Newtonian viscosity with a corresponding increase in phase angle confirming the transformation to a more fluid system.