Impact of Yuanjiang Miscanthus lutarioriparius Aqueous Extract on Texture, Flavor Profile, and Antioxidant Activity of Yogurt During Storage

Yuanjiang <i>Miscanthus lutarioriparius</i>, which is rich in various bioactive components, exhibits significant potential in the development of functional foods. However, research on its application in dairy products remains relatively limited. This study fermented yogurt using different concentrations of Yuanjiang <i>Miscanthus lutarioriparius</i> water extract (0%, 0.1%, 0.2%, and 0.4%) as a functional additive, investigating its effects on the rheological properties, oxidative capacity, sensory quality, and volatile components of yogurt during storage. The results showed that during storage, the rheological properties (such as moisture content, apparent viscosity, storage modulus, etc.), the viable counts of <i>Streptococcus thermophilus</i> and <i>Lactobacillus bulgaricus</i>, and the DPPH/ABTS/FRAP radical scavenging rates of asparagus yogurt were significantly superior to those of the control group (<i>p</i> < 0.05), indicating that the lactic yogurt exhibited better texture, stability, and overall sensory acceptance. The 0.2% addition group exhibited the best inhibitory effect on lactic acid bacteria after acidification and the most stable acidity changes. The 0.4% addition group achieved an ABTS radical scavenging rate of 58.4% on the 7th day of storage, significantly higher than other groups (<i>p</i> < 0.05). The asparagus yogurt contained 64 volatile flavor compounds (20.31% alcohols and 21.88% ketones), which was higher than the control group (45 compounds), and introduced new aldehydes (tridecanal) and esters (methyl salicylate, ethyl palmitate), imparting a mild sourness and spicy flavor. Sensory evaluation results indicated that the 0.2% addition group scored the highest in texture, flavor, and taste, aligning with its rheological properties and color. This provides a theoretical basis for the development of highly stable and active functional asparagus yogurt.