Mealworm is the most widely used edible insect in Korean traditional food. In this study, the quality characteristics and antioxidant activity of Garaedduk containing different proportions of powdered mealworm (0%, 3%, 6%, 9%, and 12%) were evaluated in order to enhance the utilization of mealworm. The results revealed that moisture content decreased while pH and starch elution increased, with increasing amount of mealworm. Furthermore, the amount of total amino acids, essential amino acids, and non-essential amino acids increased with increasing amount of mealworm. Regarding chromaticity, the L value decreased while the a and b values increased as the amount of mealworm increased. The addition of 6% mealworm showed slight differences in the pore size and surface smoothness as compared to plain Garaedduk. Texture, hardness, chewiness, and gumminess increased, but cohesiveness decreased with increasing amount of mealworm. The preference test evaluating the appearance, flavor, taste, texture, and overall preference showed that 6% mealworm additive group had the highest preference. In addition, antioxidant activity of the newly developed Garaedduk increased with increasing amount of mealworm. In conclusion, Garaedduk enriched with 6% mealworm showed promising results for developing rice cake with improved nutrition and antioxidant activity and excellent overall preference and quality.

This study was conducted to develop easily chewable Korean rice cake (Garaedduk) for the elderly while maintaining its original form and flavor. We developed two types of easy-to-chew Garaedduk products by adding starch-degrading enzyme or trehalose, respectively. Characteristics of Garaedduk products were investigated and comparative analysis was carried out between control and experimental groups. The water content of control and enzyme-added Garaedduk was 43.55% and 44.11%, respectively, which was significantly higher than trehalose-added Garaedduk (40.30%) as free water content was reduced by the formation of hydrogen bonds between trehalose and water molecules. Due to the browning of reducing sugar produced by the decomposition of rice starch, Hunter b-value of enzyme-added Garaedduk was significantly higher compared to others. Hardness, adhesiveness, gumminess, and chewiness of experimental groups were lower than the control group. Consumer test scores showed significant differences with respect to overall liking, chewiness, and swallowing between control and experimental groups. Elderly preferred experimental Garaedduks over control and the experimental groups were evaluated to be softer, easily chewable, and swallowable.