Comparative and qualitative study of fruit leather from wild and cultivated apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) grown under agro-climatic condition of Rawalakot Azad Kashmir Pakistan

Abstract

There is an abundant apricot fruit production in Rawalakot Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan. Unfortunately due to improper post-harvest management practices, more than 50 % of post-harvest losses have been recorded annually. The seasonal fruit production offers an excellent opportunity for the development of novel fruit products. The current study was planned to develop the pulp products of apricot with an objective to minimize the post-harvest losses of local apricot and to evaluate the physico-chemical and sensory properties of fruit leather and pulp. Vitamin C, TSS and acidity were evaluated by the AOAC method. The quality traits, sensory evolution and storage stability were assessed by the interval of 15 days. The highest 79% moisture was found in cultivated fruit pulp (CFP). Maximum (7.3) pH was found in cultivated fruit leather (CFL). In the case of total soluble solids, the highest (23.3 %) was seen in cultivated fruit leather. Maximum (14.01 mg/100g and 0.21 %) vitamin C and acidity were found in wild fruit pulp. The highest (33.55 %) sugar content was seen in cultivated fruit leather. As for as concern with acceptability, cultivated fruit pulp had maximum (6.81) acceptability. Based on these findings, apricot fruit leather and pulp contained a good amount of sugar, vitamin C and TSS having high acceptability. The value addition, apricot fruit product could play an important role to minimize postharvest losses annually as well as improve the nutritional and economic status of the community and also boost up the economy of the country through export share. Keywords: Apricot; Fruit leather; Product development; Value addition http://dx.doi.org/10.19045/bspab.2020.90242