The effect of the presence of seeds on the nutraceutical, sensory and rheological properties of Physalis spp. Fruits jam: A comparative analysis.

Four jams were made using two wild species of Physalis spp., two containing seeds (P1WS and P2WS) and two without seeds (P1WHS and P2WHS). Physicochemical, nutraceutical and rheological properties of the jams were determined and a sensory evaluation made. P1WS and P2WS jams had lower carbohydrates contents, reducing sugars and calories, and higher fiber contents than P1WHS and P2WHS. The presence of seeds in the jams increased phenols and flavonoids. However, the seedless jams had better sensory acceptance. The dynamic rheological testing indicated a gel-like behavior (G'>G'') in whole jams. Also, shearing flow testing showed shear-thinning and thixotropic behaviors, which are shared characteristics with others fruit jams, such as mango or gabiroba. The presence of seeds in the jam affected directly yield stress, apparent viscosity, hysteresis area, and viscoelastic parameters, which were described in the sensory analysis as a "less desirable texture". The use of seeds from wild species of Physalis spp., increased the nutritional value of jam. However, it would be necessary to improve consumer acceptance through technological processes prior to marketing.

Spray drying microencapsulation of betalain rich extracts from Escontria chiotilla and Stenocereus queretaroensis fruits using cactus mucilage.

In this work the capacity of Opuntia ficus indica mucilage as a wall agent in the microencapsulation of Escontria chiotilla and Stenocereus queretaroensis pulp and skin pigments through a spray drying process was studied. The acidified mucilage was used as an extracting medium for betalains present in the skin of these fruits. The shear-thinning behavior of the mucilage-betalain solutions was suitable for spray drying, wherein microcapsules with smooth and spherical morphologies were observed by SEM and characterized by FTIR. Additionally, microcapsules of mucilage achieved the retention of betalains at more than 90% after three months of storage. The colors obtained from the redissolution of the powders from skin and pulp samples do not present significant differences; therefore, the use of skin fruits can be a source of colorants, taking advantage of waste from other processes, promoting a culture of the use of environmentally-friendly technologies.