Optimising drying conditions for maximum nutritional quality and bioactivity of Cucurbita pepo L var. fastigata flesh and seeds

Nansikombi, Nulu; Muyonga, John H.; Byaruhanga, Yusuf B.

doi:10.22077/jhpr.2020.2998.1113

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Department of Food Science and Technology, School of Food Technology, Nutrition and Bio-engineering, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda

² Department of Food Technology and Nutrition, School of Food Technology, Nutrition and Bio-engineering, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda

https://doi.org/10.22077/jhpr.2020.2998.1113

Abstract

Purpose: Transformation of pumpkin flesh and seeds into dry flours increases their shelf stability and versatility. This study sought to optimise drying conditions for production of flour with high nutritional and nutraceutical value from flesh and seeds of C. pepo L var. fastigata using Response Surface Methodology, I optimal design. Research Method: Pumpkin flesh and seeds were dried following temperature time combinations got using I optimal design. All dry samples were tested for ascorbic acid, total carotenoids, total antioxidant capacity and starch digestibility. Seeds were also tested for in vitro protein digestibility, trypsin inhibitor activity, alpha tocopherol, beta tocopherol, and alpha tocotrienol. Findings: The predicted optimum drying conditions for production of C. pepo L var. fastigata flour with maximum nutritional quality and bioactivity were 57°C; 6.9 hours for flesh and 60°C; 3.15 hours for seeds. The most influential model terms were temperature for resistant starch, in vitro protein digestibility, trypsin inhibitor activity, total carotenoids, alpha tocopherol, beta tocopherol and alpha tocotrienol; quadratic term of temperature and time for ascorbic acid; and drying time for total antioxidant activity of the flesh and temperature for antioxidant activity for seeds. Research limitations: Dryer air flow rate was not included as a variable. Originality/Value: Results give, for the first time, an objective basis for choice of the drying conditions C. pepo L var. fastigata flesh and seeds for maximum nutritional and health benefits.

Keywords

Main Subjects

Food Science and Technology

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Journal of Horticulture and Postharvest Research

Optimising drying conditions for maximum nutritional quality and bioactivity of Cucurbita pepo L var. fastigata flesh and seeds

References

References

Volume 3, Issue 2 - Serial Number 8
September 2020
September 2020
Pages 333-346

Optimising drying conditions for maximum nutritional quality and bioactivity of Cucurbita pepo L var. fastigata flesh and seeds

References

References

Volume 3, Issue 2 - Serial Number 8September 2020September 2020Pages 333-346

Volume 3, Issue 2 - Serial Number 8
September 2020
September 2020
Pages 333-346