EFFECT OF CONCENTRATIONS AND CARRIERS ON CHARACTERISTICS OF SPRAY-DRIED TAMARIND PULP EXTRACT

Abstract

Tamarind pulp comprises reducing sugar, organic acid, pectin, protein, fiber and cellulosic material. Organic acids in tamarind pulp are tartaric acid, malic acid and citric acid which are alpha hydroxy acids. The aims of this study were to prepare spry-dried tamarind pulp extract using different carriers, maltodextrin and acacia with different concentrations, 5 and 10% w/w with or without silicon dioxide 1% w/w. In the preparation of spray-dried tamarind pulp extract, 10% w/w acacia, inlet temperature 110 degree Celsius, fan setting 50 were successful for spray drying. Percent yield of spray-dried tamarind pulp extract was 55.73 ± 4.75% w/w. Percent moisture content was 6.41 ± 0.64% w/w, spherical and smooth surface with slightly aggregated particles were obtained with mean particle size of 16.20 ± 0.09 micrometers. The spray-dried tamarind pulp extract contained 7.83 ± 0.13% w/w of tartaric acid. Stability of spray-dried products were determined by keeping in tight, clean or light protected vials at accelerated temperature 40 ± 2 degree Celsius relative humidity 75 ± 5% for 6 months. The percent remaining of tartaric acid in spray-dried product in both vials was 93.16% w/w. The final product is still free flowing.