Improving the Storage Quality of Eggplants (Solanum Aethiopicum L.) Fruit using Aloe Vera Gel Coating

Aloe vera gel has been investigated as possible edible coating to help improve the storage life of fruits after harvest. The study sought to investigate the effect Aloe vera gel coating with or without citric acid pretreatment on the quality of eggplant fruits during low temperature storage and in shelf life. Briefly, eggplants were coated with Aloe vera gel (some fruits were pretreated with citrate prior to the coating) and the changes in physicochemical quality of the fruit measured during storage at 10 °C. After 14 days, however, some fruits were transferred for storage at room temperature until day 18. Coating with Aloe vera decreased moisture loss, and consequently, decreased weight loss and loss of firmness of the fruit. The coating did help maintain the phenolic content, ascorbate levels and antioxidant capacity of the fruit. Pre-treating the fruit with citrate did not improve quality, showing that Aloe vera gel can be applied alone to enhance the storage quality of eggplant fruit. Results obtained from this study shows that Aloe vera gel coating can be useful in extending the postharvest storage life and maintaining the quality of eggplant fruits during low temperature storage.

Preparation and Quality Evaluation of Thekua Incorporated with Germinated Finger Millet (Ragi) Flour

The main aim of this study was to prepare thekua with the incorporation of germinated finger millet also known as ragi, flour and to perform its sensory as well as physicochemical analysis. The wheat flour and finger millet (ragi) flour were mixed with variation at the proportion of 87.5:12.5, 81.25:18.75, 100:0, 75:25 and 93.75:6.25 labeled as samples A, B, C, D and E respectively., while semolina (20 g), sugar (30 g), oil (20 g) and water (20 g) were kept constant for every formulation. The FFA and acid value of the oil used was found to be 0.110±0.02 and 0.221±0.03 respectively. The moisture content of sugar used was found to be 0.16±0.01. Sample ‘E’ was considered best as per the acceptability by panelists and had crude fiber (%), calcium content (mg/100g), tannin (mg/100g), phytate (mg/100g), carbohydrate and total energy (Kcal/100g) of 0.24±0.01, 18.6±0.02, 27.03±0.86, 135.97±1.15, 64.42±0.04 and 512.41±0.07 respectively. Increase in fiber content and minerals was seen in best sample product with the incorporation of germinated finger millet (ragi) flour.

Enriching Tiger Nut Milk with Sodium Caseinate and Xanthan Gum Improves the Physical Stability and Consumer Acceptability

Tiger nut milk (TNM) shows limited colloidal stability, which affects consumer acceptability in many parts of the world where tiger nut is cultivated. In this study, addition of proteins and hydrocolloids was used for improving the stability, and the impact on physical properties and consumer acceptance is reported. Enriching TNM by 3 g/100 g sodium caseinate and 0.1 g/100 g xanthan gum successfully impeded creaming and serum formation and resulted in a decrease of the instability index from 0.408 ± 0.023 to 0.015 ± 0.00 after applying forced sedimentation at 3000 x g for 2 h. After TNM enrichment, the viscosity of TNM increased from 3.0 ± 0.10 mPa.s to 285 ± 18 mPa.s which remained stable at elevated storage temperature. Flash profiling of TNM resulted in emerging descriptors namely sweet, sediment, watery, raw. Hedonic assessment by 82 consumers showed that plain TNM had the lowest rating concerning particular sensory attributes and acceptance. Enrichment resulted in more viscous, sweet and thick TNM products, leading to higher consumer ratings of attributes and acceptability. Thus, enriching TNM by sodium caseinates and xanthan gum is promising for improving the dispersion stability and consumer acceptance.

A Mathematical Model for Dehydration by Successive Pressure Drops: Simulation of Discarded Potatoes Dehydration

Dehydration by Successive Pressure Drops (SPD) is a process with high potential for treating heat-sensitive materials; this includes agro-industry by-products. However, the response of drying kinetics to operating conditions of SPD is not fully understood. The present manuscript refers to mathematical simulations to describe drying kinetics of discarded potatoes using SPD. While there are numerous theoretical, semi-theorical and empirical mathematical models, the selection of the appropriate model is a rigorous process. In this paper, the Thompson thin-layer semi-theoretical model was chosen since the assumptions for this model (e.g., product is arranged in thin layers) are fulfilled for the SPD. As a result of mathematical simulation, it was possible to describe the drying kinetics in terms of the major parameters of SPD namely pressurizing level (Pa) and the Frequency of Pressure Drop (FPD). The dehydration by SPD allows the removal of water from the material, mainly at the pressure drop. If this stage occurs more frequently, the drying rate increases. The model developed describes at less 91% of the variability of the experimental data. It is recommended to use high FPD and Pa equals to 0.50 MPa.