Optimization of the drying process for production of biofortified sweet potato flour

Beauregard sweet potatoes have high concentration of beta-carotene, a precursor of vitamin A, which helps in human growth and development. The objective of the work was to optimize the Beauregard sweet potato flour production process, maintaining a high content of carotenoids. A central rotational composite design 2(3) was performed with three central points and six axial points. Independent factors were ascorbic acid concentration, immersion time, and drying temperature while investigated responses were carotenoid, vitamin C and protein content and color. The optimum conditions for the processing of sweet potato flour was ascorbic acid concentration used in the immersion of 1.84 g 100 ml(-1), immersion time of 43.6 min, and drying temperature of 43.3 degrees C. The process showed 100% general desirability, and the product obtained present 419.85 mu g g(-1) of carotenoids, 24.92 mg 100 g(-1) of vitamin C, and 5.26 mg 100 g(-1) of protein content. Practical applications Sweet potato (Ipomoea potatoes L. (Lam.)) is an energetic food, containing a high content of vitamins and minerals. The Beauregard variety, with orange pulp, has advantages over other cultivars because it has high productivity and is more nutritious due to its high content of beta-carotene (115 mu g g(-1) of fresh roots), in addition to different color and flavor. The drying process of roots for the production of flour is a method most used to reduce post-harvest losses that occur due to its high perishability. The use of experimental planning through a central rotational composite design (DCCR) is an efficient statistical tool that allows determining the ideal conditions of the Beauregard sweet potato flour production process in which the high nutritional value is maintained, preserving the B-carotene) and with less alteration of the color sensory attribute.

Automated summary

The study optimized the production process of Beauregard sweet potato flour to maintain high carotenoid content using a central rotational composite design. The ideal processing conditions included ascorbic acid concentration of 1.84 g 100 ml(-1), immersion time of 43.6 min, and drying temperature of 43.3 degrees C. The final product exhibited high carotenoid, vitamin C, and protein content.