Squash pulp as a source of carotenoids and dietary fiber in dried handmade spaghetti

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different levels of dehydrated squash pulp (DSP) (0, 5, 10, 15, and 25 g·100 g^-1 of flour) and drying temperatures (50 and 60 °C) on the quality characteristics of spaghetti, i.e., dietary fiber, total carotenoid content, color, cooking quality, texture parameters, and sensory acceptance. The results showed that DSP has a total carotenoid content of 44.42 to 277.90 µg·g^-1 and fiber content of 2.45 to 12.40 g·100 g^-1. Additionally, the DSP level decreased the cooking time, increased the loss of solids, and generated a decrease in the fracture, hardness, and elasticity of the spaghetti. Furthermore, the increase from 50 to 60 °C in the drying temperature increased the content of carotenoids up to 6.4%, improving the texture properties while not significantly affecting the cooking quality. The spaghetti formulations containing 5 and 10 g·100 g^-1 of DSP resulted in improved sensory acceptance. It was possible to develop a new spaghetti type by adding dehydrated squash pulp with better nutritional characteristics such as high dietary fiber content and antioxidants.