Elaboración de polvo soluble de pitahaya (Selenicereus Megalanthus) mediante liofilización, atomización y deshidratación en estufa.

Abstract

Soluble pitahaya powder (Selenicereus megalanthus) was made by using three treatments which were: lyophilization, atomization and dehydration in an oven, for which yellow pitahaya from Palora City, Morona Santiago Province was used. Prior to its processing, a quality control was carried out, taking as important aspects the sensory part of the fruit and later a control of the elaborated product. The production of soluble pitahaya powder was carried out with the equipment for atomization, lyophilization and traditional stoves of the Laboratory of Industrial Processes of the Faculty of Sciences of the Polytechnic School of Chimborazo. Also in the Faculty of Animal Sciences, the results of the bromatological analyzes of the product were reported and studied. These were: humidity, ash, vitamin C, percentage of solubility, fructose, glucose and pH, as well as the results of the microbiological analyzes: Salmonella, molds, yeasts and Escherichia coli. The results of the sensory analyzes showed the color, smell, taste and appearance of the final product of each of the treatments. The results of the experimental analyzes were tabulated and subsequently subjected to the INFOSTAT statistical program which resulted in a significant difference between the three treatments applied. The most prominent treatment was represented by the atomization because it had the best microbiological, bromatological and sensory characteristics. In addition, it presented a higher degree of solubility, lower humidity and other important characteristics which also help to prolong the useful life of this fruit. It is recommended to publish this research to motivate the performance of various similar studies aimed at the use of conventional and exotic fruits from tropical areas, for example, the yellow pitahaya, their uses and benefits in different products such as: juices, yogurts, snacks, preserves, and others.