Microwave assisted extraction (MAE) technique was employed for the extraction of pectin from dragon
fruit peel. The extracting parameters were optimized by using four-variable-three-level Box–Behnken
design (BBD) coupled with response surface methodology (RSM). RSM analysis indicated good correspondence
between experimental and predicted values. 3D response surface plots were used to study
the interactive effects of process variables on extraction of pectin. The optimum extraction conditions
for the maximum yield of pectin were power of 400W, temperature of 45 ◦C, extracting time of 20 min
and solid–liquid ratio of 24 g/mL. Under these conditions, 7.5% of pectin was extracted.