Organoleptic and Nutritional evaluation of Apricot products developed for Hypertensive patients

Abstract

Introduction: Hypertension is an important public health problem worldwide. Dietary modifications include DASH diet with less sodium and high potassium and fiber intake. Aim: Development of value added products using dried apricots for hypertensive patients. Methodology: Dried apricot was selected based on its nutritional quality and high potassium content and was incorporated at different % levels in the formulation of two basic tea time snacks i.e. muffins and cookies. The products were studied for their organoleptic and nutritional parameters. Results: Products incorporated with 15% of apricots were most acceptable by the panel members having potassium content of 4.9 ± 0.07 and 4.2 ± 0.05 %, in muffins and cookies respectively. Protein, fat and ash content of muffin was found to be 6.96 ± 1.17, 10.79 ± 0.11 and 0.84 ± 0.05% respectively. Protein, fat and ash content of cookies were found to be 5.86± 0.09, 10.02 ±0.12 and 1.41 ±0.07% respectively. Conclusion: Considering the potassium content and nutritional and organoleptic evaluation it was concluded that apricot incorporated products developed were acceptable by people and inclusion of such fortified common daily use snacks will help community to maintain a healthy life.