DEVELOPMENT OF BEETROOT (BETA VULGARIS) BASED VALUE ADDED BEVERAGE: A REMARKABLE STEP TOWARDS UPLIFTMENT OF HUMAN HEALTHBHAVANA, A., SOUMYA HIREGOUDAR AND AKSHAY R. PATILAbstract Beetroot belongs to the Beta L. genus, the Betoideae subfamily of the goosefoot family (Amaranthaceae). Beetroot (Beta vulgaris) is the very nutritious vegetable as it ranks 10th most powerful vegetable worldwide due to its high content of biologically active substances, such as betalains, inorganic nitrates, polyphenols, folates. The consumption of beetroot can be considered a factor in disease prevention and a boon to human health. As beetroot are perishable, processing it for dehydration and value added in ready to drink commodity would enhance the nutrition of all the age groups and creates sustainable food security. The present study on Beetroot instant Khata Meeta Panna mix (a king of drink) was undertaken by optimization of beetroot for dehydration process, development of Beetroot instant Khata Meeta Panna mix in different formulations (20%, 30% and 40%), sensory evaluation, nutritional analysis, storage study and cost estimation was conducted for the best accepted variation of the developed product. The sensory scores for appearance, colour, texture, flavour, taste and over acceptability was 8.52, 8.55, 7.56, 8.56 and 8.58 respectively, respectively. The scores for overall appearance were observed in the âlike very muchâ scale. The moisture 5.92 g, protein 7.17 g, fat 3.90 g, ash 1.99g, crude fibre 15.42 g, carbohydrates 12.03 g, energy 98.78Kcal. The values indicated that Beetroot instant Khata Meeta Panna mix is a very goodsource of nutrients for the normal growth and development of all the age groups. The total ash content of Beetroot instant Khata Meeta Panna mix in the present study was 1.99 g in which the calcium content was 26 mg, magnesium 29 mg and iron was 9.54 mg respectively. Cost of production for 100 g of convenience beverage was Rs. 14/-. It could be concluded that the results of this study clearly demonstrated the usefulness of supplementing panna mix with beetroot powder as a valuable food addition to enhance nutritional characteristics and technological quality of the beverage. |