Processing Of A Value-Added Dragon Fruit Dehydrated R.T.E. Bar Using A Multi-Head Solar Panel Dryer

Abstract

Dragon fruit is an emerging super-exotic fruit, known for being rich in water-soluble fibers and antioxidants. This study aimed to develop dragon fruit leather and assess its nutritional and sensory properties. The nutritional analysis of dragon fruit showed 16% total soluble solids (TSS), 2.34% ash, 3.4% fat, 2.2% protein, a pH of 4.5, and 8.56% moisture respectively. Sensory evaluations were conducted to assess the attributes of dragon fruit bar. For color, 28 out of 30 participants liked it extremely, 25 liked it very much, 12 liked it moderately, and 3 liked it slightly. For flavor, 28 participants liked it extremely, 25 liked it very much, 11 liked it moderately, and 4 liked it slightly. For texture, 22 participants liked it extremely, 20 liked it very much, and 3 liked it moderately. For taste, 25 participants liked it extremely, 20 liked it very much, and 3 liked it slightly. Overall, 78% of participants liked the dragon fruit Bar extremely, 20% choice very much, and 2% moderately.