Value addition of underutilized fruits of arid region: A review

Abstract

Underutilized fruits are equally important and nutritional sound vis a vis commercially grown fruit crops under the present scenario. These fruits are undoubtedly rich in antioxidants, which neutralizes harmful free radicals generated in the body and also a good source of dietary fiber for poor and thus play an important role in overcoming the problem of malnutrition and livelihood security. Despite being highly nutritive with medicinal attributes and their ability to grow under adverse soil and climatic conditions, they have not received the desired attention. The recent awareness regarding the potential of these production of quality horticultural produce has not only opened up scope for providing economic subsistence for the people of these regions, but also for bringing new areas to increase fruits production. Besides, the underutilized fruits have a wide scope of export for various processed products. Value addition of underutilized fruits by processing them into various products is explained in this paper.