Development and Evaluation of Muskmelon-Banana Blended Fruit Leather

Abstract

Muskmelon is a highly perishable fruit of summers. It is mainly consumed as table fruit and has least uses in processing industry. Being a good source of sugars, vitamins, minerals and due to its refreshing nature, musk melon is a popular fruit in summers. But due to high moisture content the fruit can’t be stored for a long duration resulting in high post harvest losses of the fruit. Banana is also a very good source of minerals and nutrients. Due to the climacteric nature, it ripens very fast and therefore, is highly perishable in nature. Overripe bananas, although being a rich source of sugar and calories are not consumed by people due to its poor and soggy texture. Efforts were made to develop fruit leather from musk melon to utilize its nutritional properties and reduce post harvest losses during summers. Over ripe bananas were used to sweeten the product. Muskmelon and over ripe banana were mixed in different proportions to prepare fruit leather. Treatment R4 (Muskmelon-90%, banana pulp-10%) was adjudged best,on the basis of overall acceptability and nutritional quality. It contained fair amount of ascorbic acid, carotenoids, total soluble solids and sugars. Fruit leathers were palatable, with good texture and flavour.Development of muskmelon-banana leather was found to be an innovative idea to blend the various nutritive properties of muskmelon and over ripe banana together to increase the consumption and usage of both muskmelon and over ripe banana.