Preparation of smoothies
Preliminary trials were conducted to prepare
smoothies (500 g each) using either fruit pulp or
grape juice as the major constituent. Smoothies based
on fruit pulps were prepared using banana (25-40%),
mango (30-50%), papaya (20-30%) and sapota (20-
40%). Similarly, smoothies based on grape juice as
the main constituent (50-60%) was prepared by the
addition of other ingredients namely papaya, banana,
mango, sapota and muskmelon. All smoothies were
prepared without addition of water, sugar and citric
acid. The smoothies were analysed for brix:acid ratio
and evaluated for their acceptability by a panel of 10
judges. The smoothies preferred by the panelists (12
No.) were prepared in bulk (2500 g each) for physicochemical,
sensory and storage analysis. Fruit pectin
(0.1%) was added to the smoothies and homogenised
to maintain the cloud and prevent settling of pulp
particles. The smoothies were subjected to heat
processing by boiling for 5 min, filled hot in presterilized
glass bottles (275 ml), hermetically sealed
by crown corking and stored at room temperature
(28 ± 4°C) under dark conditions for a period of six
months.