Effect of different pretreatments and drying methods on physico-chemical properties of mahua flowers

Abstract:

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of different pretreatments and drying methods on the physico-chemical properties of mahua flower (Madhuca longifolia). In the present study, two pretreatments i.e. potassium metabisulphite (KMS), citric acid and one control sample, were combined with three drying methods i.e. sun drying, shade drying and tray drying. The dried mahua flowers obtained from different treatment combinations were evaluated for colour and physico-chemical properties. Among the pretreatments, KMS treatment showed superior performance for colour L* (21.10), a* (21.08) and b* (13.71), moisture (17.60%), alcohol soluble extractive (26.41%), water soluble extractive (71.86%), total ash (3.92%), acid insoluble ash (2.31%), total tannin content (906.26 mg/100g), total phenol content (3576.87 mg/100g), total flavonoid content (1975.86 mg/100 g), TSS (79.34°Brix), total sugar (58.09%), reducing sugar (45.12%) and acidity (0.450%). Among the drying methods, tray drying showed superior performance for colour L* (23.67), a* (13.89) and b* (16.01), moisture (17.27%), alcohol soluble extractive (27.35%), water soluble extractive (73.59%), total ash (4.86%), acid insoluble ash (2.58%), total tannin (1078.61mg/100 g), total phenol content (3647.50 mg/100 g), total flavonoid content (2108.77mg/100 g), TSS (79.16°Brix), total sugar (61.31%), reducing sugar (46.30%) and acidity (0.461%). The combination of KMS pretreatment and tray drying was found to be the most effective treatment for obtaining good-quality dried mahua flowers.