Articles
Physical and chemical characteristics of cladodes powder (Opuntia ficus-indica Mill.) of different maturation stages and drying temperatures
Article number
1343_65
Pages
519 – 524
Language
English
Abstract
Cactus cladodes powder from Opuntia ficus-indica Mill. has been studied as an ingredient to be added into food and thus increasing the dietary fiber content and minerals.
However, it is not clear what is the best drying process and stage of development of the cactus cladodes to have a powder with a high content of soluble fiber and adequate physical properties for its uses in food.
The aim of this work was to study the effect of drying temperature (40 and 60°C) on cactus cladodes of different stages of development (30, 60, 90, and 365 days of regrowth) and to characterize the powders obtained from them.
The results showed that as harvest days increase there is a marked drop in total phenols and antioxidant capacity.
Moisture, water activity and total dietary fiber did not show great difference between the drying temperatures of the powders or the age of the cladode.
The selection of temperature (40°C) and harvest age (30 days old) of the cladodes is proposed based on costs, greener color and increase in the number of harvests (new sprouting), as well as obtaining a powder with good antioxidant and phenolic characteristics.
However, it is not clear what is the best drying process and stage of development of the cactus cladodes to have a powder with a high content of soluble fiber and adequate physical properties for its uses in food.
The aim of this work was to study the effect of drying temperature (40 and 60°C) on cactus cladodes of different stages of development (30, 60, 90, and 365 days of regrowth) and to characterize the powders obtained from them.
The results showed that as harvest days increase there is a marked drop in total phenols and antioxidant capacity.
Moisture, water activity and total dietary fiber did not show great difference between the drying temperatures of the powders or the age of the cladode.
The selection of temperature (40°C) and harvest age (30 days old) of the cladodes is proposed based on costs, greener color and increase in the number of harvests (new sprouting), as well as obtaining a powder with good antioxidant and phenolic characteristics.
Publication
Authors
V. Beyá-Marshall, E. Apablaza, A. Dias, C. Sáenz
Keywords
cactus pads, cactus cladodes, drying, nopal powder, valorization
Groups involved
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