Standardization and Evaluation of Chocolate Coated Candied and Osmo Dried Carrot

Abstract

Among the roots and other vegetables, carrot is the best source of carotene which is the precursor of vitamin A, an essential nutrient for maintaining health. Due to the seasonal and perishable nature of carrots, various methods of processing of carrots are practised. Osmotic dehydration and candying are effective techniques where concentrated sucrose solution is used for preservation of carrots, apple, pineapple, amla etc. Chocolate coating of candied or osmo dried carrots would upgrade the product both nutritionally and taste wise. The goal of chocolate coating is to give a particular character to the various centres and enhance its acceptability. The pressed centres generally conform of nuts, puffed cereals, caramel centers, chewing gum etc. No reports have been cited on candied fruits/vegetables serving as pressed centres. Hence the present study was aimed to study the acceptability and storage behaviour of chocolate coated candied and osmo dried carrot pieces, which in addition to serving as sources of energy, would also contribute ascorbic acid and β-carotene in appreciable amounts.