Pectinase-Driven Optimization of Pectin Hydrolysis for Enhanced Clarity, Anthocyanin Retention, and Consumer Appeal in Red Dragon Fruit Mint Flavored Beverage

This study is aimed at analyzing, evaluating, and optimizing the pectin hydrolysis process to improve the quality of carbonated beverages made from red dragon fruit combined with mint flavor. Red dragon fruit, rich in nutrients and antioxidants, presents challenges in beverage processing due to its high pectin content, which affects clarity and anthocyanin stability. The research investigates the impact of various parameters, including enzyme concentration, hydrolysis time, and temperature, on juice clarity and anthocyanin content. Using a central composite design model, optimal conditions were determined to maximize juice clarity and anthocyanin content. Sensory evaluation during the blending process was also conducted to assess consumer acceptance, focusing on clarity, color, flavor, taste, and total acceptability. The optimum conditions were found to yield maximum clarity (52.763%) and anthocyanin content (224.414 mg C3G/L). Sensory evaluation indicated that 20% dragon fruit juice concentration with 0.12% citric acid, 13°Bx, and 0.30% mint flavor provided the best consumer acceptance. This research demonstrates the potential for producing high-quality, appealing, and nutritious carbonated beverages from red dragon fruit, contributing to healthier and more sustainable consumption trends.