Wild Apricot Research Articles

Development and testing of apricot (Prunus armeniaca. L) pit decorticator

AbstractApricot (Prunus armeniaca. L) is an important stone fruit grown abundantly in the temperate climate. Traditionally, the fruit stone (pit), leftover part of fruit after utilizing apricot flesh, contains the apricot kernel. These kernels are currently being explored for the oil extraction purpose. Therefore, postharvest management and processing of the apricot pit are imperative along with its process mechanization. Manual decortication of apricot pit is tedious and laborious task. Hence, a small‐scale apricot pit decorticator machine was developed to mitigate all these issues. The machine works on the principle of breaking the pit by impact and compression forces produced by reciprocating piston. Performance of the decorticator was evaluated using dry wild apricot pits. The independent variables, namely, crankshaft speed (60–100 rpm), moisture content (8.5–16.5% wb), feed per stroke (10–18 g/stroke), and impact clearance (0–2 mm) were selected for testing of the decorticator. Decortication efficiency and broken kernel percentage were obtained in the range of 67.25–77.49% and 8.97–30.17%, respectively. The best performance of the decorticator for maximum decortication efficiency with minimum percentage of broken kernels were found to be at 85 rpm crankshaft speed, 15% (wb) moisture content, 18 g/stroke feed per stroke, and 0.8 mm impact clearance. Pay‐back period of the decorticator was found to be 0.48 years.Practical applicationsApricot kernel present in pit is very fragile because of its softness and friability. Hence, it is very difficult to remove the outside husk mechanically without crushing or breaking the inside kernel. There is very high value of whole and quality kernels in dry fruits, confectioneries, medicine, and cosmetics. Various traditional methods are very tedious, laborious and uneconomical to the farmers and result in low quality unhygienic products. Therefore, a mechanized apricot pit decorticator working on the principle of impact and compression forces has been developed to solve the problem. The machine can decorticate pits easily with maximum decortication efficiency, minimum brokens, and reduced drudgery. The developed decorticator has potential for commercial production of kernels. It will increase the commercial application of kernels in dry fruits, confectionery, medicines, cosmetics, and further value additions.

Software firm Personify acquires Wild Apricot

Association and membership technology solutions firm Personify has acquired Toronto‐based Wild Apricot, another membership management software provider, enabling the combined company to better serve and empower its clients—constituent‐focused organizations of all sizes around the world.

Protection of Apricot Biodiesel from Thermal Degradation by using Natural Antioxidants of Fagopyrum tataricum (L.) Gaertn.

The present study aims to improve the oxidation stability of wild apricot kernel oil biodiesel (WAKOB) by using natural antioxidants of Tartary buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum (L.) Gaertn). Biodiesel was synthesized at different catalyst (NaOH) concentrations, reaction temperatures, reaction time intervals and methanol-to-oil molar ratios. Thermal oxidative stability measurements were carried out according to EN14112 using a Rancimet instrument. Our results showed a high yield of biodiesel (97±1.092) at 65oC in the presence of 1% NaOH (%w/w oil) and methanol/oil molar ratio of 9:1 and for the time duration of 60 min. Proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) confirmed the conversion percentage of kernel oil into biodiesel, which was further evidenced by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and refractometer analyses. Methanolic fraction of Tartary buckwheat leaves (MTBWLF) was standardized to contain the highest amount of phenolics (209 mg gallic acid/100 g). In this study, the mixture of synthetic antioxidant butylated hydroxyl toluene (BHT) (0.25%) and methanolic extract of Tartary buckwheat leaves (0.5%) ensured high oxidation stability of biodiesel samples, leading to stabilizing factor of 4.86.

Molecular analysis of the complete genomes of apricot and plum isolates ofPlum pox virusdetected in aPrunusgermplasm collection in Almaty’s Pomological Gardens, Kazakhstan

Partial molecular characterization of isolates of Plum pox virus (PPV) from Kazakhstan was described by Spiegel et al. (2004). The isolates were classified as members of the Dideron (D) strain based on: a) RFLP analysis of a 243-bp amplicon in the region of the C terminus of the coat protein (CP) fragment, b) RFLP analysis of an 836-bp amplicon in the P3-6K1 coding region and c) analysis of the CP coding region. The plum isolates were detected in plum trees maintained in the plum selection-orchard of the Pomological Garden, Almaty, Kazakhstan. The apricot isolates were detected in wild apricot seedlings obtained originally from Zailiyski Alatou at the northern edge of the Tien-Shan Mountains, but maintained in the Pomological Garden, Almaty, for about 15 years. Disease symptoms were observed on fruit from one of these infected apricot trees and on the leaves of the infected plum trees. PPV was never detected in any wild apricot plants growing in their natural habitat in Zailiyski Alatou. In this recent study, the virus genomes were sequenced completely and their analysis confirmed their identities as members of the D strain of PPV. Interestingly, in some cases, the genomes of the apricot and plum isolates were very similar, with identities of approximately 99.7% (nucleotide and amino acid sequence). Phylogenetic analyses seem to indicate a close relationship of the Kazakhstan apricot and plum isolates to each other, and to the PPV isolate BIII/2 (GenBank accession no. GU461890), a plum isolate from Slovakia. The Kazakhstan isolates and the Slovakia isolate are approximately 99% identical (nucleotide and amino acid sequence). The deletion event described by Spiegel et al. (2004) in the plum isolate P5R8 (KZPLa1) was confirmed.

Experimental Studies on Utilization of Prunus armeniaca L. (Wild Apricot) Biodiesel as an Alternative Fuel for CI Engine

In present research work, Prunus armeniaca L. (Wild Apricot) Seed oil has been investigated to produce biodiesel. The free fatty acid (FFA) content of the Prunus armeniaca oil (PAO) was <2%, so a single stage alkali catalyzed transesterification process was used to produce Prunus armeniaca methyl ester (PAME). The transesterification was conducted using optimum condition of 1% (w/w) potassium hydroxide as catalyst, 55 °C reaction temperature and 60 min reaction time with constant stirring at 400 rpm. Transesterification process gave a maximum yield of 96.5% by weight of Prunus armeniaca biodiesel. Fuel properties determined in the study conform to standards set for the ASTM D6751 and EN 14214. PAME exhibited a satisfying oxidative stability of 6.3 h and high cetane number (58.7) compared to petrodiesel (49.7). The experiments were conducted using various blends (B5, B10, B20 and B30) of the methyl ester of PAO with diesel in a single cylinder, four strokes, and direct injection diesel engine. The test results show that the brake thermal efficiency (BTE), in general, was found to be decreased and brake specific fuel consumption (BSFC) increased with increased volume fraction of P. armeniaca biodiesel (PAME) in the blends. A marginally higher BTE and lower BSFC noticed for B5 blend than diesel. At higher load conditions, CO, UHC and smoke opacity were found lower for all PAME blends in comparison to neat diesel. The NOx emissions were found to be increased for PAME based fuel in comparison to neat diesel. It may be concluded from the experimental investigations that PAME, can be an alternative for petrodiesel that can be used in a diesel engine without any major modification in the engine.

Purification and characterization of cyanogenic β-glucosidase from wild apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.)

Abstract β-Glucosidase catalyzes the sequential breakdown of cyanogenic glycosides in cyanogenic plants. The β-glucosidase from Prunus armeniaca L. was purified to 8-fold, and 20% yield was obtained, with a specific activity of 281 U/mg protein. The enzyme showed maximum activity in 0.15 M sodium citrate buffer, pH 6, at 35 °C with p -nitrophenylglucopyranoside as substrate. The β-glucosidase from wild apricot was used successfully for the saccharification of cellobiose into D-glucose. This enzyme has a V max of 131.6 μmol min −1 mg −1 protein, K m of 0.158 mM, K cat of 144.8 s −1 , K cat / K m of 917.4 mM −1 s −1 , and K m / V max of 0.0012 mM min mg μmole −1 , using cellobiose as substrate. The half-life, deactivation rate coefficient, and activation energy of this β-glucosidase were 12.76 h, 1.509 × 10 −5 s −1 , and 37.55 kJ/mol, respectively. These results showed that P. armeniaca is a potential source of β-glucosidase, with high affinity and catalytic capability for the saccharification of cellulosic material.

Enantiopure Synthesis of (R)-Mandelonitrile Using Hydroxynitrile Lyase of Wild Apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) [ParsHNL] in Aqueous/Organic Biphasic System

Hydroxynitrile lyases (HNLs) are increasingly finding application in the synthesis of enantiomerically pure cyanohydrins which are important intermediates in the production of pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. Synthesis of enantiopure mandelonitrile was carried out using HNL of wild apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) [ParsHNL] in aqueous/organic biphasic system. The optimum pH and temperature of the reaction were 4.0 and 15 °C respectively, which are important parameters to suppress the non-enzymatic catalysis. ParsHNL catalyses synthesis of (R)-mandelonitrile in methyl-tbutyl ether (MTBE)/citrate buffer biphasic system with >99% ee. Synthesis of mandelonitrile was carried out in batch reaction at 40 ml scale and finally 2.7 mmoles of (R)-mandelonitrile was recovered which corresponded to 90% molar conversion in 46 h reaction. In fed batch reaction 6.37 mmoles of (R)-mandelonitrile could be produced which corresponds to 91% molar conversion in 46 h. In both reactions, enzyme produces (R)-mandelonitrile with > 99% ee which showed enhanced selectivity as compared to aqueous reaction (96% ee) by ParsHNL. The results showed potential of ParsHNL to synthesize (R)-mandelonitrile in both, batch reaction and fed-batch reaction and can be effectively used in the synthesis of (R)-mandelonitrile.

Indigenous hosts of economically important fruit fly species (Diptera: Tephritidae) in South Africa

AbstractFruit flies are among the most economically important fruit pests worldwide. The larvae are phytophagous and constitute a major production constraint in the horticultural industry. Various indigenous fruits were sampled from 2010 to 2015 in Limpopo and Mpumalanga Provinces of South Africa to determine the presence of fruit fly species. The Oriental fruity fly, Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel), Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann), the Marula fruit fly, Ceratitis cosyra (Walker) and the Natal fruit fly, Ceratitis rosa sensu lato Karsch were reared from the indigenous fruits. B. dorsalis was reared from one marula, Sclerocarya birrea (A.Rich.) Hochst. (Anacardiaceae) sample. All three Ceratitis species were reared from the Mobola plum, Parinari curatellifolia Planch. ex Benth. (Chrysobalanaceae) and Kei‐apple, Dovyalis caffra (Hook.f. &amp; Harv.) Sim (Salicaceae). Wild plum, Harpephyllum caffrum Bernh. (Anacardiaceae), African mangosteen, Garcinia livingstonei T.Anderson (Clusiaceae), Cape ash, Ekebergia capensis Sparrm. (Meliaceae), waterberry, Syzygium cordatum Hochst. ex Krauss (Myrtaceae) and stemfruit, Englerophytum magalismontanum (Sond.) T.D.Penn. (Sapotaceae) were hosts to both C. capitata and C. rosa s.l. C. capitata was also reared from num‐num, Carissa bispinosa (L.) Desf. ex Brenan (Apocynaceae), simple‐spined num‐num, Carissa spinarum L. (Apocynaceae), brown ivory, Berchemia discolor (Klotzsch) Hemsl. (Rhamnaceae), wild coffee, Coffea racemosa Lour. (Rubiaceae) and common red milkwood, Mimusops zeyheri Sond. (Sapotaceae). C. cosyra was also found in the fruit of S. birrea and the wild mango, Cordyla africana Lour. (Leguminosae). C. rosa s.l. was also reared from Natal plum, Carissa macrocarpa (Eckl.) A.DC. (Apocynaceae), waterpear, Syzygium guineense (Willd.) DC. (Myrtaceae), Natal dovyalis, Dovyalis longispina (Harv.) Warb. (Salicaceae) and wild apricot, Dovyalis zeyheri (Sond.) Warb. (Salicaceae). No fruit flies were reared from Ficus spp. (Moraceae).Various indigenous hosts could serve as a reservoir for infesting cultivated crops.

Modeling some mineral nutrient requirements for micropropagated wild apricot shoot cultures

A response surface methodology (RSM) experimental design was applied for improving micropropagation of a wild apricot, Prunus armeniaca Lam., from the mountains of Kazakhstan. In an initial study, woody plant medium (WPM) mineral nutrients [calcium nitrate, ammonium nitrate, mesos (calcium chloride, potassium phosphate and magnesium sulfate) potassium sulfate and minor nutrients] were tested in a response surface methodology (RSM) experiment. Shoot quality was the best when nitrogen and mesos (CaCl2, MgSO4, K2SO4, KH2PO4) compounds were altered. In this study an expanded mesos optimization experiment was run. Data taken included a subjective quality rating, shoot length, shoot number, leaf color and size, callus and physiological disorders. Data were analyzed by Classification and Regression Tree Analysis (CART), a data mining technique that provides specific cutoff values for data and easy to interpret data trees. The CART analysis indicated that the best quality would be with ≤2.4× WPM levels of KH2PO4 and ≤0.75× MgSO4. Shoot length was affected by K2SO4, but most shoots were of good size at any concentration. Shoot multiplication was affected by KH2PO4, but there were >5 shoots at any concentration. Leaf color was best with ≤2.41× KH2PO4 and ≤1.22× K2SO4. Based on the CART analysis, a recommendation for improved mesos compounds was developed. Each of the individual trees was analyzed and the cutoff points determined so that all the growth characteristics could be considered in the final concentrations chosen. Using the combined results from the CART analysis, the suggested medium would include WPM with CaCl2 2.7×, MgSO4 2.7×, K2SO4 0.8×, KH2PO4 0.75×.

Studies on percentage Oil Content Variability and Genetic Divergence Analysis of Prunus armeniaca L. (Wild Apricot) in Kashmir and Ladakh Regions of India

Studies on percentage Oil Content Variability and Genetic Divergence Analysis of Prunus armeniaca L. (Wild Apricot) in Kashmir and Ladakh Regions of India

FARKLI RAKIMLARDA YETİŞTİRİLEN KAYISI ÇEŞİTLERİ VE ZERDALİDEKİ VİTAMİN İÇERİKLERİNİN İNCELENMESİ

Vitamins are one of the most important micro elements of our daily food chain which are known to have action mechanisms on devastating diseases such as cancer and cardiac diseases. In our study, vitamin contents in the samples of Hacihaliloglu, Kabaasi, Cataloglu cultivars and wild apricot grown at the altitudes of 1490 m and 825 m in Malatya were detected by using UV-DAD detector and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) device. According to the obtained results, Beta carotene, Retinol, Vitamin E, Lycopen and Vitamin C (μg/g dry matter) were examined in all apricot samples. Vitamin content of apricot cultivars and wild apricot samples were found statistically (P<0.05) different to each other and the highest content was found in the samples taken from 1490 m altitude. Among all apricot cultivars, the highest vitamin C content was determined in Cataloglu (22622 μg/dry matter) samples, whereas the lowest vitamin E content was found in Kabaasi (20.9 μg/dry matter) samples.

Volatile Compounds of New Promising Dried Apricot (&lt;i&gt;Prunus armeniaca&lt;/i&gt; L.) Genotypes

Turkey has rich wild apricot populations and all Turkish apricot cultivars were previously selected among wild apricots. On this background for apricot breeding, six new late flowering dried apricot genotypes were taken under study, along with wide spread cv. 'Hacihaliloglu'; all genotypes were examined in terms of volatile compounds using Headspace-Solid Phase Micro Extraction - Mass Spectrometry (HSSPME/GC/MS) techniques. The most important volatiles of apricot genotypes were aldehydes, alcohols, esters, terpenes, ketones and acids. Among these compounds, ethanol, hexanal, 3-carene, squalene, acetic acid, tetradecaonic acid, pentadecaonic acid, octadecaonic acid, n- hexadecaonic acid and 1-hdroxy-2-propanone were present in all genotypes studied at certain levels. In general, total concentrations of aroma compounds were higher in some promising genotypes under study than within 'Hacihaliloglu' cultivar, except total alcohol compound (53.33%). Volatile compounds, particularly esters, were the major contributors to fruity, floral and pleasant fruit flavours. The highest esters' compound contents were detected in 'N95' (9.2%) and 'N57' (2.18%) genotypes, while 'Hacihaliloglu' had 1.61% ester compounds. Lacton (γ-decalactone) was a key aroma compound of apricot. γ-decalactone was detected ranging between 0.4-1.13% in all genotypes, except cv. 'Hacihaliloglu'. The hereby obtained results showed that the volatile composition depended largely upon the apricot genotypes, moment of harvest, growing conditions and cultural applications that may all affect fruit quality. These results represent valuable starting points for apricot breeding programs.

New insights into the history of domesticated and wild apricots and its contribution to Plum pox virus resistance.

Studying domesticated species and their wild relatives allows understanding of the mechanisms of population divergence and adaptation, and identifying valuable genetic resources. Apricot is an important fruit in the Northern hemisphere, where it is threatened by the Plum pox virus (PPV), causing the sharka disease. The histories of apricot domestication and of its resistance to sharka are however still poorly understood. We used 18 microsatellite markers to genotype a collection of 230 wild trees from Central Asia and 142 cultivated apricots as representatives of the worldwide cultivated apricot germplasm; we also performed experimental PPV inoculation tests. The genetic markers revealed highest levels of diversity in Central Asian and Chinese wild and cultivated apricots, confirming an origin in this region. In cultivated apricots, Chinese accessions were differentiated from more Western accessions, while cultivated apricots were differentiated from wild apricots. An approximate Bayesian approach indicated that apricots likely underwent two independent domestication events, with bottlenecks, from the same wild population. Central Asian native apricots exhibited genetic subdivision and high frequency of resistance to sharka. Altogether, our results contribute to the understanding of the domestication history of cultivated apricot and point to valuable genetic diversity in the extant genetic resources of wild apricots.

Hydroxynitrile Lyase of Wild Apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.): Purification, Characterization and Application in Synthesis of Enantiopure Mandelonitrile

Hydroxynitrile lyases (HNLs) are increasingly finding application in synthesis of enantiomerically pure cyanohydrins. Cyanohydrins are important intermediates in the production of pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. In the present studies seeds of wild apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) have emerged as potential source of hydroxynitrile lyase. The HNL of wild apricot (ParsHNL) was purified 8.1 fold and 18.2 % yield with a specific activity of 141 units mg−1 protein. The SDS-PAGE of the enzyme revealed that it consists of subunits of 40 and 37 kDa. However, the molecular weight of holoenzyme was assessed to be 360 kDa. The enzyme showed maximum activity in 0.1 M sodium-citrate buffer having pH 4.75 at 25 °C. Thermostability studies revealed that this HNL showed activity up to 70 °C temperature and quite stable up to 50 °C. Activation energy of ParsHNL was calculated to be 37.83 kJ mol−1. This enzyme has K m of 3.76 mM, V max of 188.4 µmol mg−1 min−1 and k cat of 1130.4 s−1 using mandelonitrile as substrate while for reverse reaction using benzaldehyde as substrate it showed K m of 16.1 mM, V max of 7.21 µmol mg−1 min−1 and k cat of 43.3 s−1. Synthesis of mandelonitrile was carried out using ParsHNL and finally 8.88 mmole (1.184 g) of mandelonitrile was recovered which corresponded to 89 % molar conversion with 96 % ee for R-mandelonitrile. The yield of mandelonitrile was 411 µmol mg−1h−1. These results indicated that ParsHNL has very high potential for synthesis of cyanohydrins and can be used for the production of enantiopure cyanohydrins.

Review and prospects of bitter apricot oil as an alternative feedstock for biodiesel production - an Indian perspective

The increasing energy demands along with the gradual depletion of fossil fuels have prompted to search for alternative fuels that can be obtained from renewable energy resource. Biodiesel as a renewable energy resource has drawn the attention of many researchers and scientists because it has immense potential to be part of a sustainable energy mix in near future. This paper explores the feasibility of converting wild/bitter apricot (Prunus armeniaca Linn.) oil into biodiesel and its prospects in India and reviews the history of wild apricot, its origin, distribution, oil extraction, biodiesel processing and engine testing. The positive attributes and limitations of the bitter apricot utilisation are also discussed. It was unveiled that the production of biodiesel from wild apricot oil offers many social, economical and environmental benefits for the country and can play a great role to solve the problem of energy crisis in high altitude areas of India. The prospects of wild apricot biodiesel and its expansion for setting up biodiesel industry in the mountainous regions have also been emphasised. [Received: March 4, 2015; Accepted: June 13, 2015]

Effect of enzyme treatment on oil recovery and quality parameters from wild apricot kernel cake

Effect of enzyme treatment on oil recovery and quality parameters from wild apricot kernel cake

A review on phytochemical, biological screening and importance of Wild Apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.)

Wild apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) is an important fruit tree species found in temperate regions of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand states of India at an altitude up to 2500–3000 msl. From time immemorial P. armeniaca L. has been used in folk medicine as a remedy for various diseases. Apricot seed oil has been used as biodiesel and oil cake as organic manure. The plant is rich in sugars, mono and polysaccharides, polyphenols, fatty acids, sterol derivatives, carotenoids, cynogenic glucosides and volatile compounds. Polyphenols are abundant micronutrients in the human diet, and evidence for their role in the prevention of degenerative diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular diseases is emerging. Cyanogenic glycosides responsible for a bitter taste of apricot seeds and these seeds cause some degree of intoxication primarily on nervous system and thyroid. P. armeniaca L. has also been investigated for various biological activities such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, antinociceptive, antiinflammatory, antimutagenic, inhibitory activity against several enzymes. Among them the antimicrobial and antioxidant potential has been of much exploration and were proved to be highly efficacious under in vitro conditions. In the present review, the antioxidant properties of P. armeniaca L. and its potential use as natural dietary supplement has been discussed. We have also thrown light on the phytochemistry and biological activity reports published on the species worldwide.

English

This research work is a part of NOVOD, Board sponsored project entitled “National Network on Integrated Development of Wild apricot (Prunus armeniaca)”. The experiments were conducted to study the genetic variability-cum-diversity for seed and seedling characters among 25 half-sib families of Prunus armeniaca L. collected from different coordinates/locations of Jammu and Kashmir, India. Seeds of 25 candidate plus trees were collected and graded to constitute seed lots of different candidate plus trees (CPT). After the dimensional measurements for fruit, seed and kernel characters, part of the seeds from seed lots of each family/CPT were analyzed for oil content estimation. Part of the constituted seed lots of each family/CPT were sown in open field environmental conditions in the nursery following randomized block design (RBD), with a view to assess the expression of genetic diversity using non-hierarchical Euclidean cluster analysis. Intercrossing of divergent groups would lead to greater opportunity for crossing over, which releases hidden variability by breaking linkage. Candidate plus tree progenies were grouped into six clusters under open field environment. Inter-cluster distance was found to be highest between cluster II and VI, revealing their genetic closeness from high to medium. On the basis of inter and intra cluster distance cluster no. II and VI may be considered as diverse and can be utilized for hybridization when selecting genotypes for breeding purposes. Fruit length followed by fruit breadth and seedling height contributed maximum to the total divergence and played a prominent role in creating the genetic diversity. Key words: Oil content, variability, cluster, genetic divergence, Prunus armeniaca.

Cracking Force Analysis for Apricot Pit Decortication Based on Mathematical Model of Hertz’s Theory

In decortication of wild apricot pit a mathematical model based on Hertz’s theory of contact stress was developed for the prediction of force required to break the pit. Using pits subjected to a uniaxial compression stress, in their lateral axis between rigid parallel plates, and those propelled to impinge a rigid cylindrical seat along its lateral axis, experimental verification of the model was conducted comparing the theoretical predictions with estimates from the representations of conventional methods employed in pit cracking. Properties including size, shape, and mass, required in the derived model were determined for wild apricot pits. Material stiffness was obtained from the force-deformation curve. Material stiffness obtained was 51.1 × 106 to 46.9 × 106 Nm-1 for different sizes of the pits (12, 11, 10, and <10 mm). The respective ranges of geometric mean diameters were between 16.92–15.05 mm. There was no significant variation of pit sphericity with size of pits. Force prediction from the Hertzian model proposed gave good prediction of cracking force that was not significantly different from that obtained from an impact force decorticator (1.2 kg weight reciprocating with 100 rpm and 30 cm stroke length) and compression force required calculated from a texture analyzer.

Effect of different treatments on quality and sensory attributes of osmo-dehydrated wild apricot

The fruit of wild apricot have very short life and usually goes waste. Hence, studies were conducted with the objective to develop value-added product and assess the quality parameters of osmo-dried wild apricots. The blanched and lye dipped fruits of wild apricot were dipped in sugar syrup of concentration 50 and 70°Brix for 24 h prior to mechanical dehydration. After drying, the fruits were packed in polyethylene pouches and stored at ambient conditions for six months to observe the effect of storage on quality and shelf-life. In case of osmodehydrated apricot, the maximum total sugars content (31.77%) and ascorbic acid content (10.66 mg/100 g) were observed in T6 (lye dipped + 70°Brix syrup), respectively. Sensory evaluation of osmo-dehydrated wild apricot revealed that T6 (lye dipped + 70°Brix syrup) treatment recorded the highest score for overall acceptability.