Physicochemical and sensory properties of Yakhobak (Cucurbita maxima subsp. maxima) paste under different high pressure heating conditions

Abstract

For the production of Yakhobak (Cucurbita maxima subsp. maxima) paste under various heating conditions, we steamed Yakhobak for roughly 20 min, followed by heating under high pressure treatment for 0 min (HHP0), 20 min (HHP20), 40 min (HHP40), and 60 min (HHP60). The physicochemical and sensory characteristics were subsequently investigated. Generally, no significant difference was observed in organic acid content and sensory characteristics score between Yakhobak paste treated with and without high-pressure heating. However, there was a significant difference in color value, soluble solids, and free sugar content. The L value for color of the group HHP0, untreated control Yakhobak paste (no high-pressure heating), decreased as time increased from 20 min to 60 min, with L values of 44.33, 44.25, and 42.86, respectively. The b value for the color of Yakhobak paste also decreased, showing a significant difference. Soluble solids and free sugar (fructose, glucose, sucrose) contents of the high-pressure heat-treated groups HHP20, HHP40, and HHP60 decreased compared with untreated group HHP0. Organic acid composition of Yakhobak paste included citric acid, malic acid, and fumaric acid, and the major organic acid was malic acid. Sensory score of HHP40 was the highest among all experimental groups in terms of overall preference, but there was no significant difference.