Nutrient and antioxidant composition in value added products made with underutilized Prunus (Prunus nepalensis) fruits

Abstract

Prunus fruits which have a short post harvest life can be successfully utilized for development of various value added products. The products like Prunus Crush (PC) and Prunus-Apple fruit rolls (PAFR) were very well accepted as per sensory scores among the other products developed. Nutrient composition, antioxidant activity and radical scavenging activity was evaluated in the best accepted prunus products (PC and PAFR) along with prunus pulp (PP). Among the three, PP exhibited higher antioxidant activity and total phenolic contents compared to the other two processed products. Radical scavenging (ABTS activity, Hydroxyl radical activity) was high in PP and PAFR respectively. The results indicate that value added products developed from prunus are not only attractive in sensory parameters due to the colour imparted by the anthocyanin pigments of prunus, they are also beneficial in maximizing the health benefits due to the rich nutrients, antioxidant and radical scavenging activity present in fresh and value added prunus products.