Development and Evaluation of Muskmelon-Banana Blended Fruit Leather

Abstract

Muskmelon is a highly perishable fruit of summers. It is mainly consumed
as table fruit and has least uses in processing industry. Being
a good source of sugars, vitamins, minerals and due to its refreshing
nature, musk melon is a popular fruit in summers. But due to high
moisture content the fruit can’t be stored for a long duration resulting
in high post harvest losses of the fruit. Banana is also a very good
source of minerals and nutrients. Due to the climacteric nature, it
ripens very fast and therefore, is highly perishable in nature. Overripe
bananas, although being a rich source of sugar and calories are not
consumed by people due to its poor and soggy texture. Efforts were
made to develop fruit leather from musk melon to utilize its nutritional
properties and reduce post harvest losses during summers.
Over ripe bananas were used to sweeten the product. Muskmelon
and over ripe banana were mixed in different proportions to prepare
fruit leather. Treatment R4 (Muskmelon-90%, banana pulp-10%) was
adjudged best,on the basis of overall acceptability and nutritional
quality. It contained fair amount of ascorbic acid, carotenoids, total
soluble solids and sugars. Fruit leathers were palatable, with good
texture and flavour.Development of muskmelon-banana leather was
found to be an innovative idea to blend the various nutritive properties
of muskmelon and over ripe banana together to increase the
consumption and usage of both muskmelon and over ripe banana.