Development of pastilles using watermelon rind

Abstract

Pastilles is one of the most consumed snack items among children. Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) is the most consumed fruit all over the world during summers. Watermelon rind i.e. white part of the melon is totally discarded considering it as a solid and biomass waste. 30% of total mass of watermelon constitutes of rind. Watermelon rind is highly nutritious as compared to flesh containing low calories, high ash, moisture significant levels of fibre, fat, protein, and carbohydrates. Rind is also high in nutrients such antioxidants i.e. lycopene and the amino acid citrulline, as well as vitamins A, C, B6 and minerals zinc, calcium, iron which are essential for our health. Considering the health aspects, reducing the wastage and interest, the study is aimed in preparing pastilles. The present study was designed to develop watermelon rind pastilles. The developed pastilles were set for evaluation for the organoleptic parameters i.e. colour, texture, flavour, taste and overall acceptability using a 9-point hedonic rating scale.