Development of coconut milk-based palmyrah fruit pulp drink for ready to serve beverage market

Abstract

Plant-based or non-dairy milk alternatives are a growing trend in new product development. The palmyrah (Borassus flabellifer L) fruits have excellent nutritional and functional properties with unique organoleptic characteristics. Unfortunately, they are often wasted during their peak season due to limited industrial utilization. The present study was focused on the ready-to-serve beverage market. Coconut milk (Cocos nucifera L.) based Palmyrah fruits pulp drink was developed with four product formulations by changing the pulp percentage (T1=0 %, T2=20 %, T3=40 %, and T4=60 %). Pulp was treated with acid and heat treatment to reduce and mask its bitterness. The proximate composition, physicochemical, functional, and microbial properties were determined for all product formulations. Results were analyzed using the parametric one-way ANOVA turkey test method at a 5 % significance level. Sensory properties were evaluated by performing nine point hedonic scale test using 30 semi-trained panelists and data were analyzed using the Friedman test. With compared to other formulations, T2 was selected with better physicochemical and sensory properties. The pH (5.2), TSS (12° Brix), titratable acidity (0.04), specific gravity (1.04), and viscosity (124 mm2/s) were not significantly varied during storage at room temperature. Moisture, fat, protein, carbohydrate, crude fiber and ash contents are 83.29 %, 3.4 %, 1.63 %, 23.49 %, 0.21 % and 1.55 % respectively. Functional properties were determined by DPPH (112 mg/ml) and Total phenolic content (GAE 35.31 mg/100 g). According to evaluation, the shelf-life of the product can be predicted as more than 12 weeks. Overall the study findings highlight that the newly developed coconut milk based palmyrah pulp drink is a marketable product boasting significant nutritional and functional properties. With its favorable sensory attributes, stability during storage and extended shelf life, this beverage holds great potential in the market as a desirable and healthful alternative for consumers seeking plant based and lactose free options.