The quality characteristics of sugar-reduced green tea cookies were tested, and there was no significant differences in density, spreadability, loss rate, and pH in all experimental groups (p<0.05). The sugar content of the sample with 100% sugar replaced was 0.96oBrix, which was significantly higher than the 0.80 °Brix of the control (p<0.05). The sample with 75% sugar substituted was 0.76oBrix, which was similar to that of the control (p>0.05). The calories per 100 g of cookies were reduced from 482 to 433 kcal in the sample groups, where the sugar content was reduced from 0 to 100%. Carbohydrates also decreased with decreasing sugar content. The protein was 5g in the sugar sample group reduced by 0- 25%, and 6 g in the sugar sample group reduced by more than 50%. Dietary fiber was three times higher in the sugar sample group reduced by 75% than the control, and four times higher in the sugar sample group reduced by 100% than the control. No significant differences in the sweet sensory intensities were observed between the control and the 75% reduced sugar sample group (p>0.05). The brightness, savory, sweet, and aftertastes were similar in all experimental groups (p>0.05). Overall, high value-added green tea cookies with a more than 75% reduction in sugar were successfully developed with added functions of immunity, anti-cancer, antioxidant functions, preventing constipation and obesity, without deteriorating the sensory and physicochemical qualities tested.

The physicochemical and antioxidant properties of cookies prepared using powders of barley sprout (BS), lemon balm (LB), and green tea (GT) were studied. The same dough density was maintained in all the sample groups. The experimental group to which the natural ingredients containing antioxidants were added did not show any significant change in the appearance of cookies compared to the control. LB and GT cookies showed significantly lower hardness compared to the control (p<0.05). Control showed the lowest antioxidant effect when assessed with 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl. (DPPH) and this gradually increased in the order of BS, LB, and GT. The antioxidant activity of GT was 7 times higher as compared to the control (p<0.05). The antioxidant activity assessed using 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) also showed results similar to that seen with DPPH. GT showed a significantly higher total phenol content, about 2-3 times higher compared to the control (p<0.05). GT had significantly higher total flavonoid content than that of the control (p<0.05). Thus, the addition of natural antioxidant ingredients such as sprout barley, lemon balm and specifically green tea, in the preparation of cookies, resulted in excellent antioxidant activity with similar physicochemical quality characteristics. The study suggests that it is possible to develop cookies that are competitive in terms of nutritional and physiologically active functions.

Research Center for Endangered Species in National Institute of Ecology was recently established in Yeongyang, Gyeongsangbuk-do on October 2018. As a new research center, we are actively developing research projects even though we have lots of hurdles. Among 26 endangered insect species, five species have been focused as restoring insect. Recently, the focus of restoration strategy was changed from species to habitat. To protect the insects from extinction, we will conserve the original habitat and cooperate with the local community. As a starting research center, we are open to all of your opinion to restore endangered insects in Korea.