Authors : Naailah Ali , Neela Badrie and Darin Sukha
Abstract: Cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) comprise of a fruit �pod` which contains seeds embedded in mucilaginous pulp. In this first study, the objectives were to investigate the effects of adding cocoa pulp nectar (0, 15 and 30% v/v) to stirred yoghurts on their physicochemical and sensory properties. The Total Soluble Solids (TSS) of cocoa pulp was increased from 5- 40�Brix with sucrose, processed at 80�C for 30 min, addition of 0.25% xanthan gum and further processed at 90�C for 3 min. Focus group guided product development in the selection of yoghurt with desirable level of cocoa pulp nectar. The addition of cocoa pulp nectar to yoghurt increased (p< 0.01) TSS, lowered consistency (p< 0.05) and Total Titratable Acidity (TTA) as % lactic acid (p< 0.01). Yoghurt with 30% cocoa pulp nectar had 21�Brix, consistency 8.0 cm/30 sec, pH 4.38 and 0.17 g/100 g lactic acid. This yoghurt was liked very much to extremely for flavour and overall acceptability. On storage at 4�C for 4 weeks, the yoghurt became less viscous, more acidic, darker, less chromatic and more yellowish-green. A 225 g serving of yoghurt was fat-free, good source of protein, K and P and excellent Ca.
Naailah Ali , Neela Badrie and Darin Sukha , 2008. Effects of Adding Cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) Pulp Nectar to Stirred Yoghurts on Physicochemical and Sensory Properties . Journal of Food Technology, 6: 51-56.