Quality evaluation of raw dried mango slices khatai and mango powder amchur sold in the retail market

The quality of raw sun-dried mango slices khatai and mango powder amchur us ed as food condiments in Indian diets was evaluated. The results showed tha t the Agmark brand and the control samples were superior in quality to the locally packed brand with relatively lower levels of moisture, total ash, a cid-insoluble ash and higher non- volatile ether extract. The Agmark brand received the highest aroma, texture, appearance and acceptability scores. T he control samples were credited with lower scores for texture, which were reflected in lower overall acceptability. Association of 3 genera of mycofl ora with the Agmark brand and 5 genera with the control sample was observed . The results of nutrient analysis indicated that mango powder had little c alorific value, suggesting that its use could be extended to enhance palata bility of low-calorie fat-restricted therapeutic diets. Further, iron conte nt was found to be relatively high, but high levels of oxalic acid (>1000 m g/100g) and phytic acid (>200 mg/100g) may affect the bioavailability of mi nerals. Comparison of mango powder samples with respect to the parameters p rescribed by Agmark indicated that all the samples satisfied the Agmark sti pulation for moisture content but did not fulfil the parameters for total a sh and acid-insoluble ash contents, indicating a need for greater stringenc y in cleaning and quality control.