Development and evaluation of Bael fruit jelly enriched with herbal leaf extracts

Abstract:

The present study describes the development and assessment of a delectable herbal jelly rich in healthy, plant-based ingredients. The Jelly is made from dragon fruit. It is deliciously sweet and packed with nutrients. To enhance the health benefits of the Jelly, powdered Bael fruit and extracts from guava, mango, jamun, and pomegranate leaves were used. These ingredients are known to provide a host of benefits, including antioxidant, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and digestive benefits. To keep things light, Stevia was used as a low-calorie sweetener and pectin as a gelling agent. Beetroot extract and dragon fruit seeds were used to enhance the Jelly's vibrant colour and appearance. The Jelly was cooked to a sweet spot of 62-68 ° Brix and evaluated for sensory quality, nutritional composition, and shelf life. Evaluations showed that panellists rated it highly, giving it an impressive 8.5 out of 9 on a satisfaction scale. The nutritional analysis showed a good composition of 39 grams of carbs, 1.2 grams of protein, 33.15% hydration, 1% ash, and 67% total soluble solids per 100 grams. Shelf-life analysis of Jelly revealed that samples stored at room temperature spoiled on day 31, whereas the refrigerated samples remained fresh and stable. Overall, this study successfully emphasises the visual appeal and nutrient-rich properties of a herbal jelly with promising potential in the functional food industry.