Physicochemical Characterization of Pectin Extracted from Six Wild Edible Fruits in Odisha, India

Abstract

The life of plant species flourishing in Odisha is luxuriant which is created based on its tropical climate type and assembles a remarkable extensive diversity in edible fruits. These wild edible fruits are predominantly utilized in tribal and rural livelihoods inhabiting in nearby forest regions. Despite their rich source of macronutrients, micronutrients, vitamins and antioxidants, they are often underutilized. Pectins are considered as food additives due to its natural dietary fibre consisting high proportion of galacturonic acid. The main aim of this study was to explore the pectin potential in these six wild edible fruits which might provide alternative commercialised products, value addition and favouring food security.Analysis of pectin yield and degree of esterification are considered as two important factors for marketable pectins. Equivalent weight is directly proportional to the formation of the gelling effect.In this study, highest pectin yield was recorded in Citrus medica (25.34 ± 0.77 % dry wt.) followed by Phyllanthus emblica(14.86 ± 0.40 % dry wt.) and Carissa carandas (11.94 ± 0.60 % dry wt.). To evaluate pectin suitability in food systems, characterization of extracted pectin was carried out following several parameters. The physico-chemical properties from dried pectin revealed highest degree of esterification (87.63 ± 1.33 %),equivalent weight (1516.66 ± 187.63), anhydrouronic acid (94.23± 2.67 %) and methoxyl content (14.62 ± 0.27 %) in Phyllanthus emblica whereas more moisture content of pectin was available in Citrus medica (10.35 ± 0.35 %). Our findings revealed that the methoxyl value and degree of esterification (DE) are classified as high methoxyl pectins (HMP), suitable for industrial and therapeutical applications.