Effect of Spray-Drying on the Nutritional Composition of Watermelon–Orange–Mango Composite Fruit Powder
Abstract
This study investigated the effect of spray-drying on the nutritional composition of watermelon–orange–mango composite fruit powder. Six composite puree formulations were prepared from watermelon (Citrullus lanatus), sweet orange (Citrus sinensis) and mango (Mangifera indica L.) and evaluated for sensory acceptability using a nine-point hedonic scale. The most acceptable formulation, comprising 50% watermelon, 30% orange and 20% mango (sample code 618), was selected for spray-drying. Maltodextrin (DE 30) was incorporated at 20% (w/w), and drying was conducted at an inlet temperature of 160°C and a feed rate of 400 mL h⁻¹. The proximate composition, vitamins, minerals and amino acids of the fresh composite puree and the resulting spray-dried fruit powder were determined using standard analytical procedures. Data were analysed using analysis of variance, with Duncan’s multiple range test applied for mean separation at p < .05. Spray-drying reduced moisture content from 83.45% to 2.83%. On a product-weight basis, ash, protein and crude fibre increased from 0.74% to 1.11%, 0.96% to 3.49% and 0.74% to 1.21%, respectively, while carbohydrate increased from 13.61% to 91.05%. Crude fat decreased from 0.50% to 0.31%. Potassium remained the predominant mineral, increasing from 62.16 to 90.93 mg/100 g. The measured concentrations of several vitamins and most amino acids were also higher in the powder. Notably, L-citrulline increased from 118.05 to 181.43 mg/100 g, while L-arginine increased from 108.67 to 179.18 mg/100 g. These findings demonstrate the feasibility of producing a low-moisture watermelon–orange–mango composite fruit powder with concentrated nutritional constituents. However, the observed increases in nutrient concentrations should be interpreted in relation to moisture removal and maltodextrin incorporation rather than assumed to represent improved nutrient retention. Further evaluation on a dry-matter and mass-balance basis is necessary to establish actual nutrient retention during spray-drying.