Emerging Applications of Fermented Fruit Enzyme Beverages as Nutraceutical, Functional Food, and Designer Food Products: A Review

Abstract

In the past, the beneficial effects of fermented fruits were unknown, and so people primarily used fermentation to preserve fruits, enhance shelf life, and improve flavor. Fermentation of fruits has been adopted over many generations, primarily due to their commercial significance. Edible tropical fruits such as, cashew apple, mangoes, papaya, pineapple, litchi, guava, bael, banana, pomegranate, jamun and palm etc. with high export potential have their origin in the tropics and require rather suitable climatic conditions; and can not tolerate environmental stress. Most of the tropical fruits are important sources of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals and form a very healthy part of a diet. An effective utilisation of inferior grade and over-ripe fruits and processing them into fermented beverages has been revealed as a new and promising alternative to generate extra revenues whilst conducting a sustainable exploitation of wastes. In addition, microorganisms contributing to the fermentation process have recently been associated with many health benefits, and so these microorganisms have become another focus of attention. This paper reviews the production techniques and beneficial health effects of different fermented fruits. Scientific advances in the emerging area of functional beverages; as they provide a health benefit beyond the basic nutritional functions also reported in this paper.