Development of Functional and Dietetic Beverage from Bitter Gourd

Abstract

Functional and health endorsing benefits of various foods are investigated. A beverage made from bitter gourd for diabetic and health conscious individuals by incorporation of bitter gourd extract at different levels such as 5%, 10%, 15% and 20%. Properties were investigated of a refreshing low calorie beverage. During storage for 6 weeks titratable acidity increased from 0.57-0.77%, pH (4.23-3.97) and ascorbic acid contents (18.92-14.74 mg/100mL) decreased. Sensory properties of the dietetic ready-to-serve beverage were ranked above acceptable range by a panel of judges during storage. Results indicated that bitter gourd beverage with 15.0% extract had good flavor, palatability and storage stability and could benefit diabetic, obese and health conscious people.