In the present study, pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata Duchesne ex Poiret) was used as raw material to
produce sweet food fortified with iron (Fe) and ascorbic acid (AA). A dry infusion process with a subsequent
air drying was applied. Response surface methodology was performed in order to analyze the
effect of Fe and AA incorporation into the formulation on: water loss (WL) and solid gain (SG) during the
dry infusion process, color changes (DE) and the dehydration percentage during subsequent air drying
process. The results showed that the presence of Fe and/or AA promoted SG and WL during the dry
infusion and also, weight changes during the air drying process (PP). An increase of the color changes
was also observed. In turn, it was possible to obtain predictive equations for the parameters studied. The
application of edible coating based on tapioca starch on pumpkin product was also tested showing a
protective effect from the pumpkin color view point.