STORAGE STABILITY OF CLARIFIED BANANA JUICE FORTIFIED WITH INULIN AND OLIGOFRUCTOSE

Abstract

Clarified banana juice fortified with inulin and oligofructose were stored for 8 weeks at 4, 25 and 35C. Changes in physicochemical characteristics (pH, total soluble solids [TSS], titratable acidity, sucrose, reducing sugars and turbidity), microbial count and sensory quality were determined. No differences were observed for pH and titratable acidity for all the stored juice samples. However, increase in turbidity was observed in all the juice samples, whereas juice samples stored at 35C recorded highest increases. Increase in reducing sugars (glucose and fructose) was also observed during storage, particularly at 25 and 35C. TSS values were observed fluctuating for all the samples. No microbial growth was recorded for all the juice samples stored at three different temperatures. Sensory results for taste, flavor and odor revealed no difference until the seventh week of storage; however, the overall acceptability of the juice stored at 4C was rated highest as compared with juice samples stored at 25 and 35C. Overall, the quality of juice stored at 4C was rated highest not only for all the sensory characteristics but also less turbidity problem compared with juices stored at 25 and 35C. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS Today, consumers are increasingly looking for foods which not only have better taste but also offer health benefits. The present study was conducted to determine the shelf life of banana juice which has been fortified with inulin and oligofructose. The results of the study indicate that inulin and oligofructose fortification in clarified banana juice did not significantly affect its physicochemical, microbiological and sensory characteristics over a period of 8 weeks. It also signifies the acceptability of clarified banana juice after fortification with inulin and oligofructose and by keeping at different storage conditions. The study can serve as a reference for food industry regarding shelf stability of fortified, clarified banana juice at different storage temperatures.