Vol. 12, Issue 10 (2023)

Author(s):
Megharaj R, Roopa Bai RS, Beerappa SW, Raghavendra P, Udaykumar Nidoni, Sharanagouda H and Goudra Pramod Gouda

Abstract:
This study explored the impact of maltodextrin and inlet air temperature on the properties of spray dried fig pulp powder, identifying optimal conditions for production in terms of yield, physical and reconstitution properties. In this research, the focus was on understanding how two factors, maltodextrin (5%, 7.5% and 10.0%) and inlet temperature (140, 160 and 180 °C) of the air entering the spray dryer, affected the properties of spray dried fig pulp powder. The highest powder yield of 70.66% spray dried fig powder was obtained for 10% maltodextrin concentration and an inlet air temperature of 180 °C in the spray dryer. The best handling properties i.e., flowability (Carr’s index of 10.86 and Hausner ratio of 1.12) were optimized in 10% maltodextrin concentration at 180 °C spray dryer inlet air temperature. This combination resulted in favourable reconstitution properties of the fig powder, such as high solubility (96.05%), wettability (307.28 s) and dispersibility (84.93%).