ABSTRACT
Introduction: Anthocyanins are water-soluble plant pigments responsible for bright red, purple and blue colours in fruits and vegetables. Extraction of anthocyanins from plant cells becomes an important task closely related to the need of preservation of their bioactivity. Therefore, encapsulation by spray drying is a technique used to retain maximum anthocyanin and colour. Methods: The study was designed to investigate the physical properties of spray drying of Red Amaranthus extract with maltodextrin. The extract was prepared by soaking washed and finely chopped red spinach (Red Amaranthus) leaves in water for 72 h at 4°C of with potable water (solvent), followed by storage at refrigerated condition at 4°C for 72 h. The extract was mixed with maltodextrin solution in three different ratios: 1:1, 1:2 and 1:3. Powder properties were studied for the three different extract and maltodextrin ratios that were fed in the spray dryer. All analyses were conducted in triplicates. Results: The 1:1 ratio retains maximum anthocyanin 93.03 mg/100g of spray dried powder compared to the other ratios; the moisture content of the 1:1 ratio was 0.44% (dry basis). The color chroma value of a* of 1:1 ratio was 26.24 and density was 0.55 g/cm3 whereas the water activity of the sample was 0.62±0.01. By comparing the three ratios, the 1:1 ratio of extract and maltodextrin was the optimum combination for encapsulation of anthocyanin using spray-drying technique. Conclusion: Encapsulation with maltodextrin at 1:1 ratio had a significant impact on retention of anthocyanin and colour in the final produ
ABSTRACT
Food based approach is a more practical and sustainable approach to combat micronutrient deficiencies including vitamin A deficiency in India. However several gaps of knowledge with respect to the stability of β- carotene from foods and therefore its bioavailability exist. The present study aimed to assess the total and beta- carotene content of 4 vegetables (Coriandum sativum), Amaranth, Red (Amaranthus sp); Green garlic (Allium Sativum) and Mogri (Raphanus caudatus); and study the stability of beta carotene using minimal processing and addition of weak acids from foods, and product development using of coriander leaves. Results indicate that among the four vegetables, beta-carotene content of coriander was highest (2921.79 μg / 100 g) and lowest for mogri (425.15μg/100g). When coriander leaves were macerated alone in an electric mixer grinder and with green chilies, lemon or both, retention of beta carotene was 72.3%, 149.81%, 98.2%, and 182% resp. indicating the enhancing effects of green chillies and lemon juice of β- carotene retention. The fresh coriander leaves when incorporated into a recipe retained 75.47% of total carotene and 74.185 of β- carotene and was found to be highly acceptable using the composite score and hedonic test. The study indicates that minimal processing and usage of green chillies and lime in carotene rich foods enhance its retention. Efforts should be directed towards development of acceptable recipes incorporating green leafy vegetables and thereby resulting in an increased intake of β-carotene rich indigenous foods.