Study on Standardization of Technology for Development of Preserve from Ripe Pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata)

Abstract

Two methods namely, slow and one period method was used to prepare preserve from four different treatments (P1-Control, P2- steam Blanching for 6 minutes, P3- Steam blanching for 6 min + dip in 1.0 per cent citric acid for 10 min, and P4- Steam blanching for 6 min + dip in 1.0 per cent calcium hydroxide for 60 min). The preserve prepared by slow method showed the higher values for chemical constituents’ viz. TSS, total sugars, reducing sugars, ascorbic acid and β-carotene as compared to one period method during storage. The preserve from cubes of treatment P3 showed more retention of chemical components in both the preparation methods. However, higher sensory scores for texture, flavour and overall acceptability were awarded to P4 (steam blanching for 6 min + dip in 1.0 per cent calcium hydroxide for 60 min) except for colour score which was higher in P3 but the differences were found to be non-significant. A mean decrease in moisture, titratable acidity, ascorbic acid and β-carotene was recorded during six months of storage while an increase was found in TSS, total sugars and reducing sugars. The retention of ascorbic acid and β-carotene was found to be more in preserve of P3 (steam blanching for 6 min + dip in 1.0 per cent citric acid for 10 min) treatment of slow cooking method than P3 of one period method. Sensory evaluation of the preserve also reflected a mean decrease in score for colour, texture, flavour and overall acceptability during a period of six months which was higher in one period method as compared to slow method.  The cost of production of unpacked ripe pumpkin preserve was found to be INR 132/kg while INR 76.84/250 g when packed in glass jars.