Have you ever considered how a tropical fruit could revolutionize the food industry? The soursop fruit, famous for its exquisite flavor and nutritional properties, is becoming a versatile and healthy ingredient in the creation of various products. How can it be used in production? Join us to find out.
Soursop fruit: relevance in the food industry
Otherwise known as Graviola or Annona muricata, the food industry highly appreciates it as part of the exotic fruits (Juarez, 2020). We tell you why:
- For its nutritional properties.
- Also, because it can be used in the production of various derivative products.
It is also rich in:
- Vitamin C.
- Also, in B1 and B2.
- Essential minerals such as magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus.
On the other hand, it contains antioxidants and bioactive compounds, which provide health benefits (Juárez, 2020). This becomes attractive to the industry due to:
- First, these compounds improve the nutritional profile and attractiveness of products.
- Second, they boost innovation.
- Also, they offer competitive and marketing advantages.
Soursop fruit applications in the industry.
In contrast to citrus fruits, soursop fruit is very versatile in the food industry thanks to its distinctive flavor and nutritional benefits. It has a white, juicy, and fibrous flesh. It also has a unique flavor that combines sweet and slightly acidic hints, resembling a mixture of strawberry and pineapple. Its creamy and thick texture makes it perfect for culinary preparations (Baylis, 2023).
It can be used in:
- Purees.
- Juices.
- Concentrates.
- Frozen products.
- Supplements.
In fact, the wide variety of uses of this fruit allows the development of a great diversity of products. Therefore, it covers the different consumer preferences and opens new market opportunities for companies.
Learn about the products that use it:
Alcoholic beverages
The creation of various cocktails has incorporated this fruit. It has gained popularity in the fruit beer market due to its healthy and sustainable appeal.
Juices and soft drinks with soursop fruit
On the other hand, it can be used to prepare gourmet juices or lemonades. Likewise, gluten-free and vegan drinks. This makes it especially oriented to a younger or healthier public (Silva, 2023).
Dairy products
Mixed with yogurt and milk to create healthy smoothies and yogurts. It is also used to flavor cheeses and creams.
Other applications
Also, is used in the preparation of ice creams, yogurts, and nectars. In these cases, it also maintains its nutritional benefits.
Regulations and quality standards to be followed
Regulations and quality standards for soursop fruit processing in the United States include:
1. FDA (Food and Drug Administration):
- Current Good Manufacturing Practices (CGMP): ensures proper sanitary conditions.
- Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP): identifies and controls hazards in production.
- Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA): emphasizes the prevention of food contamination.
2. United States Department of Agriculture:
- Organic Certification: meets National Organic Program (NOP) standards for organic products.
3. Internal quality controls:
- Microbiological testing: detects contaminants such as bacteria and fungi.
- Process control: monitors all stages of processing.
4. Labeling and traceability:
- Labeling: provides clear information on ingredients, nutritional values and allergens.
- Traceability: Trace the origin of the product to manage safety issues.
Why is it important to comply with these regulations?
The advantages of complying with the regulations are:
- Product safety and quality: ensures that products from this fruit are safe for consumption and of excellent quality.
- Consumer confidence: reinforces consumer confidence by ensuring that products comply with established regulations.
- Access to international markets: facilitates entry and acceptance in global markets, which expands business opportunities.
Benefits and assured quality
In brief, soursop fruit, with its nutritional properties and versatility, has great potential in the food industry. However, for its use, it is essential to integrate good practices in your operations to maximize its benefits and meet the demand for healthy and sustainable products. All of this will help position you as a leader in food innovation.
Referencias
- Asoguanabana. (2022, 18 de octubre). Producción y exportación de guanábana orgánica será una prioridad. Asoguanábana.
- Baylis, M. (2023, 21 de septiembre). Guanábana: descripción, sabor, beneficios y usos.
- FDA. (s.f.). Reglamentos Finales para Controles Preventivos de Alimentos para Humanos. FDA.
- Juárez, C. (2020, 7 de mayo). Buscan elaborar productos a base de pulpa de guanábana. The food tech.
- Safety Culture. (2024, 15 de enero). ¿Qué son las BPM?
- Silva, D. (2023, 1 de abril). ¡Cocteles con guanábana! Exóticos y tropicales!
