Effect of different concentrations of pulverized mesocarp of Citrus paradisi Macf. on the bromatological characteristics of spray‐dried lemon juice powder

The aim of this research was to evaluate the effect of different concentrations of pulverized mesocarp of Citrus paradisi Macf. as a drying aid on the bromatological characteristics and yield of spray‐dried lemon juice powder. Five concentrations of grapefruit mesocarp encapsulant (0.4, 0.8, 1.2, 1.6, and 2.0% (w / w)) and maltodextrin DE 10 (1.2%, w / w) were evaluated as encapsulant agents. The highest yield (46.76%) was obtained with 1.2% of grapefruit encapsulant. Water activity and ash content were inversely proportional to the added encapsulant concentration. The highest moisture value was obtained with 0.4% and the highest soluble solids with 2.0%. For all treatments, the pH level did not change, except at 0.4% (it was lower). The concentrations of the encapsulants significantly affected the evaluated characteristics, except for the proteins.