Thermal processing of cassava packed in see through retort pouch (polyester coated with Silicon dioxide/nylon/cast polypropylene) was done using still water spray retort. Heat penetration characteristics were studied and shelf life was determined. Earlier studies were conducted for developing ready to eat cassava in brine, packed in High Impact Poly Propylene trays and thermally processed. The results revealed the leaching of amylose from cassava into the brine that lead to formation of turbidity in brine and made the product soft and thereby unacceptable. The product had a shelf life of only 75 days. The present study aimed to improve the shelf life of the product by thermally processing cassava as a solid pack with curcumin added to it to provide a colour that is stable even after thermal processing. Cassava vacuum packed in see through retort pouches were thermally processed at 121.1 °C to an F 0 value of 8.97 min. The product stored at ambient temperature (28 ± 2 °C) was found to have a shelf life of 12 months.

Fiber intake improves gut health and prevents non-communicable diseases. The current study investigates the substitution of carrageenan in white bread and evaluates its effect on the physiochemical and structural characteristics of bread. The 100% wheat flour was used as control and the test sample contained 4% carrageenan. The physio-chemical analysis showed that carrageenan-substitution improved the hydration properties of the flour (WHC-1.33 g/g; SC-3.50 ml/g). Carrageen substituted bread had reduced the loaf volume. The fiber content in carrageenan-substituted bread was noticeably higher (9.4 g%) than control (3.5 g%). Crude lipid (4.6 g%) and protein (7.0 g%) content improved with carrageenan-substitution. The mineral contents (Na, K, Mg, Ca, Fe, and Zn) were increased in carrageenan-breads. The texture profile analysis showed a decreased hardness (H1-92.3 N, H2-62.5 N) and improved springiness (5.3 mm) in carrageenan-bread.

Chocolate is a very popular food product that is relished by millions of people for its unique, rich and sweet taste. The health benefits of chocolate are immense which is attributed to its high polyphenolic content. In the current study, the diet chocolates using natural and artificial sweeteners were developed. Also, the jackfruit seed powder after fermentation (anaerobic and aerobic) was used to replace cocoa powder by 10%. The physiochemical and glycemic index of the chocolates were analyzed. The physiochemical analysis of the chocolates indicated that substitution of jackfruit seed powder did not alter significantly the proximate composition. It was found out that the glycemic index and glycemic load of the chocolates were significantly lower than commercial milk chocolate, which makes it a suitable food product for diabetic and other groups. The samples were packed in pouches made of metallised polyester films laminated with polyethylene for storage studies. Instrumental textural studies were in concordance with sensory observation, indicating that the product remained stable for 3 months at room temperature (26˚C ± 2˚C). The color of the product remained similar throughout the storage period indicating stable structural and surface characteristics. Hence, the chocolates developed using natural and artificial sweeteners have low GI and will minimize the risk of several chronic diseases including diabetes and the use of jackfruit seed powder as a substitute for cocoa powder has not altered any of the characteristic features of chocolate.

Mackerel curry is a traditional food which is considered as a delicacy in Kerala. Indian mackerel curry was prepared as per standard recipe and hot filled into high impact polypropylene (HIPP) containers. Dynopack sealing machine was used for top sealing using seethrough films comprising polyester, silicone dioxide coated nylon and cast polypropylene and processed in a still water spray retort at 121.1°C to different F 0 values of 6, 7 and 8 min. Based on the sensory and commercial sterility test, F 0 value of 8 min was found to be optimum for mackerel in curry medium. The fish curry processed to F 0 value of 8 was taken up for storage studies at ambient temperature (28±2°C) and changes in biochemical parameters like thiobarbituric acid (TBA), total volatile base nitrogen (TVBN), trimethylamine (TMA), instrumental colour and texture were analysed. Upon thermal processing, significant increase in chewiness as well as springiness and decrease in hardness was observed for mackerel at optimum F 0 value. The product was found to be commercially sterile throughout the period of storage and was found to have a shelf life of 75 days.

Functional foods with elevated levels of fibre content are of high demand because of its several health benefits. A study was conducted for the development of fibre enriched bakery products. As a part of this study fibre enriched bun was developed using k-carrageenan (Kappaphycus alvarezii) as the source of fibre. The bun was prepared with the incorporation of various concentrations (2-8%) of -carrageenan powder. Comparative analyses of the physical, chemical, textural, structural and sensorial characteristics of bun were conducted. The highest concentration of k-carrageenan that was sensorily acceptable for incorporation in bun was 6 per cent, beyond which sensory parameters like taste and texture showed unacceptability. Radical scavenging activity assays revealed an improved activity with increased concentration of k-carrageenan.The shelf-life analysis of the sample was done after packing in low density polythene (LDPE) pouches. The present study has demonstratedthat k-carrageenan can be used as a competent constituent for the fortification of bun to utilize the health benefits of marine fibre.