Studies on physicochemical and nutritional properties of dragon fruit (Hylocereus polyrhizus)

Abstract

Physical properties of fruit generally aid in further processing. Several parameters related to the physicochemical and nutritional properties of dragon fruit, such as, fruit weight (394.46 g) length, diameter, pulp weight, edible index (72.45%) and inedible index (27.55) was evaluated. Moisture content (86.32%), total soluble solids (TSS), extract yield, pH, color, antioxidant activity, viscosity, ascorbic acid, titratable acidity, betacyanin and minerals were also measured. Extract yield is an important parameter in economic point of view as it will affect production cost and final product cost which was found (68.15%). Dragon fruit is rich source total phenols, ascorbic acid, bioactive compounds like betacyanin (14.41 mg/100 g) and minerals which act as antioxidant, boost the formation of beneficial gut flora and helps to prevent cardiovascular disease and keeps blood pressure in control. Thus, dragon fruit was found better edible index, extract yield and rich in bioactive compounds.