Effect of storage on physicochemical properties, bioactive compounds and sensory attributes of drinks powder enriched with pumpkin (cucurbita moschata L.)

Pumpkin is an imperious vegetable and a large part of the pumpkin flesh goes unused resulting from pumpkin processing, so it needs to be processed properly to be used. The current study's goal was to prepare a drink powder enriched with pumpkin report the impact of storage on bioactive compounds and physicochemical characteristics of drink powder, and also evaluate the sensory properties of beverages prepared from drink powder. The powders were formulated and evaluated based on their physical properties, proximal compositions, minerals, phenolic compounds, and antioxidant ability as measured by DPPH (2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl), FRAP (Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power), and ABTS (2,2′-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic) acid). Drink powder was made with a mixture of ingredients that were substituted with pumpkin pulp and seed powder in the proportions of 50:50 (S1), 20:30 (S2), 30:20 (S3), and 40:10 (S4). A sensory evaluation was carried out to select the most accepted combination. The most accepted product was subjected to nutritional analysis and storage studies, which were taken as criteria for good quality. Sample S3 had the highest protein, fat, fiber, and ash content while sample S1 had the highest carbohydrate content. It was also observed that enrichment with pumpkin powder enhanced the Mg, P, and Fe content of the drink powder. However, sample S1 had the highest DPPH radical scavenging ability, total phenolic content, and FRAP ability. During storage, a significant increase in moisture content, total sugar, and reducing sugar while a significant decrease in protein, fat, ash, fiber, and titratable acidity was observed. In addition, carotenoids, vitamin C, and antioxidant properties showed significant decreases during long-term storage at ambient temperature. Furthermore, sensory analysis was performed on pumpkin powder beverages, and based on results the color and texture of the drinks were not affected as the pumpkin powder content was increased. The drinks with 20 % pumpkin pulp and 30 % seed powder (S2) obtained the highest score for texture, taste, and overall acceptability assessed. However, the S1 and S3 are the best instances due to their better nutritional content. Hence, the drink powder that utilizes pumpkin may be an efficient means to preserve pumpkin and conserve its bioactive ingredients. In conclusion, pumpkin powder can be successfully incorporated into powdered drinks or other traditional products and also it is recognized as an excellent food source to meet daily nutritional needs.