Properties of a thermal-processed beverage prepared from roasted partially defatted peanuts

The effects of two thermal processing methods on physical and sensory properties of a beverage prepared from finely ground, partially defatted roasted peanuts ( Arachis hypogaea ) were determined. Samples were either bottle-processed at 72 °C for 2 min or 111 °C for 8 min after homogenizing at 72 °C, or kettle-pasteurized for 2 min at 72, 77 or 82 °C before homogenizing at 72, 77 or 82 °C, respectively. Harsher thermal processing parameters increased the suspension stability and viscosity of bottle-processed beverage by 175 and 87%, respectively, but had no influence on kettle-pasteurized beverage. Total solids (%) and colour were not adversely affected by thermal processing. Beverage which was kettle-pasteurized and homogenized at 72 °C had low viscosity (6.1–8.4 cps), typical roasted peanut flavour and little or no chalky mouthfeel, irrespective of whether carrageenan (stabilizer) or mono-diglyceride (emulsifier) were added to the formulation. Kettle-pasteurizing before homogenizing (20.7 × 10⁶ Pa) showed potential for producing beverages with physical and sensory attributes similar to commercial cow milk products.