Application of osmotic dehydration method in Mineral Enrichment of Fruits

Minerals have important role in healthy human nutrition especially calcium and phosphorus that are essential elements of bone. This project carried out to enrich kiwi fruit and banana by these minerals using osmotic dehydration technique. 55% sucrose syrup used as osmotic agent and the concentration of minerals were 1% and 2% experiment completed in 30 and 60 minutes in ambient temperature at the end fruits drained and slightly dried by tissue to eliminate extra syrup. Dry mater as well as calcium and phosphorus content were measured for treated and untreated samples and compare together. Results showed higher calcium gain than phosphorus in both kiwi and banana. Calcium content of banana was 600% higher than untreated fruit in the case of phosphorus kiwi fruit gained 200% of this mineral to initial content. It seems reasonable consumption of enriched fruits instead of synthetic medicines. Calcium absorption is higher than phosphorus. Calcium concentration in the solution increases the absorption of calcium in the fruit. But the process time has no effect on calcium absorption in kiwi fruit in contrast with banana. Phosphorus concentrations and process time has no significant effect on mineral uptake.