Abstract

The global market of functional foods and demand for a healthy lifestyle among consumers in recent years is growing. Guava is a highly perishable fruit and a rich source of vitamin C. Guava Cheese (GC) is a semi-solid concentrated fruit product that could be consumed as a snack. The objectives were to develop a guava cheese (GC) and determine the antioxidant potential of the product. Formulation consisted of guava puree with added sucrose or agave, chia seeds and almonds. Pectin was added at select concentrations (0.5%, 1%, 1.5%) along with citric acid to enhance the consistency of GC. Physiochemical and sensory parameters were analyzed for extended shelf life (3 months) studies. Moisture content, pH, water activity, color (L*, a*, b*) and texture profile analysis (hardness, springiness, cohesiveness, gumminess, chewiness) did not change over the 90-day period. Ash, protein and fat contents of 0% pectin were 2% lower than GC with pectin. Sensory parameters (firmness, mouthfeel, flavor and overall acceptability) of GC 0% pectin and 1% GC were similar. Total content in 0%, 0.5%, 1%, and 1.5% pectin added GC were 150.49 ± 32.76, 340.17 ± 54.65, 346.39 ± 53.04, and 355.72 ± 14.24 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/100g. Flavonoid content in 0%, 0.5%, 1%, and 1.5% GC were 159.73 ± 13.31, 332.77 ± 13.31, 341.65 ± 15.37, and 350.52 ± 16.60 mg catechin equivalent (CE)/100g. Similarly, antioxidant of potential measure by DPPH radical scavenging was similar in all samples (IC50 at 0.8 mg/ml). Guava cheese may be utilized as a healthy fruit snack because of added alternative sweeteners and functional ingredients to obtain health benefits. Adding pectin to guava cheese improved functionality by increasing antioxidant potential as well as physical properties.

Highlights

  • Consumption of five fruit servings per day has been recommended for a healthy life style and to reduce risk of chronic diseases [1]

  • According to the World Health Organization and the Food and Agriculture Organization at least 400 g of fruit and vegetables per day is recommended

  • Pectin was used in different ratio of 0%, 0.5%, 1% and 1.5% to acquire the same consistency as control (0%)

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Summary

Introduction

Consumption of five fruit servings per day has been recommended for a healthy life style and to reduce risk of chronic diseases [1]. Incorporating citrus fruits and berries that contain phytochemicals, may improve good health and reduce the risk of diseases [4]-[6]. Fruit leathers or fruit snacks provide lower caloric values than other food snacks that are available in the market [7]. Fruits such as guava, orange, papaya, pineapple and strawberries have a tangy flavor due to the high content of ascorbic acid, which favors the development of the snack product. About 1.6 million tons of guava are produced per year but the utility is very low due to the post-harvest losses and causes disposal problems [9] [14]

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