The nutritional characteristics and acceptability of Baobab (Adansonia digitata L) pulp as nutrient concentrate substitute in custard powder

Micronutrient deficiency in the human diet is of serious concern in developing nations. The utilization potential of Baobab pulp (BP) as a micronutrient source in custard formulation was evaluated. Custard powder was formulated from corn-starch, salt, flavor, colorant, and a commercial nutrient concentrate (NC) using a standard recipe, as a control sample. The nutrient concentrate was substituted by 20 – 50% of Baobab pulp in custard formulation. Custard powder was characterized by chemical, physicochemical, pasting, and sensory properties, using standard procedures. Substitution of Baobab pulp for nutrient concentrate in custard formulation resulted in a significant (p ≤0.05) increase in the crude protein (2.23 – 3.67%), fat (1.49 – 2.40%), fiber (2.95 – 4.85%), and ash (2.21 – 3.63%) contents of custard powder. The vitamins A, C, and Beta-carotene contents of Baobab pulp-fortified custard varied (p ≤0.05) significantly. Substitution of Baobab pulp for nutrient concentrate increased the mineral composition (Calcium (1.16 – 5.75 ppm), Magnesium (1.09 – 1.83 ppm), Potassium (0.81 – 2.68 ppm), and Iron (0.12 – 0.39 ppm)) of custard samples significantly (p ≤0.05). The addition of Baobab pulp in the custard powder formulation enhanced its chemical composition and sensory attributes. The enhancement level increases with an increase in the proportion of baobab pulp.

Effect of extract or infusion of leaves of the Hibiscus sabdariffa L. in the production and storage of the beverage blends with cupuassu: physico-chemical and sensory acceptance

This study aimed to produce beverages using extract or infusion of Hibiscus sabdariffa leaves with cupuassu pulp. The blended drinks with cold or hot extraction were formulated using the response surface methodology. Moreover, the physico-chemical and sensory stability of these beverages was performed for 180 days. The conditions production for beverage leaf extract were: 28% leaf extract, 72% cupuassu pulp, and 14°Brix. For beverage leaf infusion, were 37% leaf extract, 63% cupuassu pulp, and 13°Brix. Comparing the two beverages, the polyphenolic compounds and the antioxidant activity (ABTS and DPPH) were higher in the blends produced with leaf extract. Thus, the cold extract provided better extraction of these components in the leaves. During storage, pH, reducing and total sugars and soluble solids of blends increased linearly (p < 0.05). Nevertheless, vitamin C, polyphenolic compounds, and the antioxidant activity reduced linearly (p < 0.05). The sensory acceptance of blends containing leaf extract, in the hedonic scale, all sensory attributes were positively scored up to 135 days. At 180 days, the acceptance reduced for rejection. The blended beverage containing leaf infusion had all sensory attributes positively scored up to 90 days, with a rating between 6.27 and 7.42. At 135 and 180 days, the values were in the indifference region of the hedonic scale or acceptance region. Therefore, the blend with leaf infusion maintained better acceptance during storage when compared to leaf extract beverage. Thus, the blended beverages had good nutritional value and sensory acceptance and were acceptable for up to 135 days.