Formulation of Healthy Cucurbita maxima seed incorporated Milkshake

Cucurbita maxima is a popular vegetable and the seeds of Cucurbita maxima are generally considered a waste product but it is rich in bioactive compounds with nutraceutical properties. Diet rich in Cucurbita maxima seeds has been associated with a reduced risk of stomach breast, lung, prostate and colon Cancers. Seeds of Cucurbita maxima are consumed either roasted or raw and used in cooking and baking and incorporated into foods to increase the nutritional value in diets. Sensory evaluation is a combination of different senses of a perception coming into play in choosing and eating. The Objective of the study was to analyze the nutrient content of the Cucurbita maxima seed powder, to obtain a sensory evaluation of formulated products and to find out the acceptability of the product. The sample used in this study was Cucurbita maxima seed were cleaned with water to make the sample free from foreign materials, sundried and grind finely. The nutrients such as Protein, Carbohydrates, Crude fiber, Iron and Fat of the Cucurbita maxima seed powder were analyzed. Dried Cucurbita maxima powder was selected for the preparation of the milkshake. The milkshake was prepared using standard procedure. Sensory assessments were evaluated based on the quality description i.e, appearance, flavor, taste, color, texture and overall acceptability. The acceptability of the product was evaluated by a panel of 20 trained judges The data was subjected to statistical analysis such as Mean, Standard Division and Standard Error Mean. The result reveals that nutrients such as protein 6.256%, carbohydrate 23.645%, crude fiber 2.2%, Iron 0.298% and fat 49.8%. The sample Cucurbita maxima seed powder was taken to prepare the formulated product. Both the formulated products are evaluated by 20-panel members for the parameters such as appearance, taste, flavor, color, texture and overall accuracy. The appearance of formulated Cucurbita maxima seed milkshake has scored 97% in standard and 86% in the sample whereas the flavor of formulated Cucurbita maxima seed milkshake has scored 86% in standard and 96% in the sample. Taste of formulated Cucurbita maxima seed milkshake has scored 97% in standard and 98% in sample and Colour of formulated Cucurbita maxima seed milkshake has scored 92% in standard and 95% in the sample. The texture of formulated Cucurbita maxima seed milkshake has scored 92% in standard and 96% in sample respectively. Thus the present study concludes that incorporation of Cucurbita maxim seed powder in the milkshake will help to enhance the health benefit.