Preparation and evaluation of functionally enriched squash from Flacourtia montana- An underutilized wild edible fruit for commercialization

Flacourtia montana J. Graham (Salicaceae) - an underutilized wild edible fruit tree , endemic to Western Ghats, India.The fruits are rich in nutritional and medicinal supplements however lacks commercial value due to paucity of studies. The objective of the present study is to formulate and evaluate a processed product, squash from the ripened fruits of the species for food security and sustainable development.Three types of squash T0, T1 and T2 were prepared.Organoleptic evaluation and physico-chemical analysis done.Product acceptability was rated as T0>T1>T2.Squash (T0) is sufficiently enriched with Ascorbic acid, Protein, Crude fiber etc.Diet rich in these nutrients have much health lead.The processed product is promising for value addition.