Optimizing Technological Parameters for Pectin Extraction from Dragon Fruit Peels

Abstract

      The peels of dragon fruit contain high pectin content and can be utilized to extract pectin. In this study, the factors influencing pectin extraction were optimized. The optimal conditions were citric acid solvent extraction at pH 3.5, particel size of d ≤ 1 mm and solvent/dragon fruit peel rato of 34.23/1 (v/w), at temperature 85°C in 35 min. Under these conditions, the extraction yield reached 13.81%.