Study of the physicochemical and mechanical stability of an edible leather of mango (Mangifera indica) and pineapple (Ananas comosus) pulp

Mango (Mangifera indica) and pineapple (Ananas comosus) are two important fruits with many industrial uses and excellent sensory, nutritional and functional characteristics. In this research work, the development of intermediate moisture edible leathers obtained by convective drying technology of the mixture of mango and pineapple pulp at 60 and 70 °C was carried out, evaluating their physicochemical characterization and stability under controlled storage conditions at 25 and 35 °C. The results showed that leathers subjected to drying at 60 °C and stored at 35 °C presented a significant increase in water activity. Leathers stored at 35 °C showed greater browning due to the effect of storage temperature. The highest resistance to cutting and tension was observed in edible leathers dried at 70 °C and stored at 25 °C. The Young's Modulus in tension varied between 1.317 and 2.22 MPa. The greatest degradation of vitamin C (57%) was found in leathers dried at 70 °C and stored at 35 °C. It was possible to conclude that the mango and pineapple pulp-based leathers stored for 4 weeks presented physical-chemical and techno-functional characteristics that make them suitable for consumption.