Dulcamara a refreshing and medicinal drink

Abstract

The work proposed the production and sale of healthy beverages based on natural products, using dulcamara as raw material, a medicinal plant used in the pharmaceutical sector that helps prevent low defenses and weak immune system. The objective is to have a drink based on dulcamara combined with natural fruits such as strawberry, coconut, pineapple, and aloe vera, which contribute to a better functioning of the organism. The preparation of the beverage started by obtaining the extract of dulcamara leaves and fruits, mixed in defined proportions and checking pH values and Brix degrees according to INEN standards for these products. To determine market acceptance, an 11-question survey was applied to the Ruminahui sector, with a sample of 384. The beverage has pH 4.25 and 19.5°Bx within the parameters established in INEN 2337. The beverage was sensorially evaluated with an acceptance of 91.15%, at a value of US$1 per 450 cm3. The preparation under standardized conditions and market study of the product design establishing the price, quantity, place, promotion, indicating that advertising campaigns should be carried out to promote the properties and consumption.