Osmotic dehydration is used as a pre-treatment before drying. This process can also be used as a method of modulation of the sensory values of plant components and fortifying them with selected components. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of osmotic dehydration as a method of pumpkin flesh 'Melon Yellow' (Cucurbita maxima) fortification with calcium. The studies showed for the first time that by selecting the appropriate process conditions it is possible to significantly increase the level of calcium in plant matrice. The highest calcium content was found in the pumpkin pulp dehydrated in 50% xylitol and inulin solutions with a calcium carbonate (5%), where the process was conducted for 120 min at 30 °C (1,380.4 and 1,328.4 mg Ca/100 g). Therefore, study has shown an innovative application of the osmotic dehydration process for the design of food with health-promoting properties, including for those at risk of osteoporosis.
Keywords: Ca content; Cucurbita maxima; Inulin; Osmotic dehydration; Pumpkin.
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