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ARTISANAL FORMULATION OF OPUNTIA FICUS-INDICA PRESERVES: FOOD PRODUCTS AS A POTENTIAL SOURCE OF ANTIOXIDANTS

Abstract:

The species Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill., represents a good source of nutrients and antioxidants in the diet of consumers. This chapter aims to offer a simple and economic alternative formulation of artisan conserves prepared with nopal, in which the antioxidant activity was evaluated. Two nopal preserves were analyzed: vinegar/pickled and lime concentrate/pickled, prepared according to the Norm CODEX STAN 185-1993 for nopal cacti. The ‘Norma Oficial Mexicana NMX-F-451- 1983' for nopal products, was observed for the characterization of the final products. A sensory assessment was performed under established procedures by the ESPOL laboratories with the participation of 93 untrained evaluators. The antioxidant activity and phenolic content were evaluated by the DPPH and Folin-Cicalteau assays, respectively. The products developed had excellent stability and commercial sterility. Levels of total polyphenols were overall low, but the antioxidant activity was high in both formulations. No significant differences between products were observed in the physical-chemical characterization as well as in the sensory assessment. These nopal preserves represent a good source of compounds with antioxidant activity and can be included as a healthy food alternative in the local market.