Optimization of the Process for Production of Enriched Ketchup

Post-harvest losses of fruits and vegetables in Uganda are estimated at 30% which is approximately 4 billion shillings lost annually. This is due to limited knowledge on value addition and preservation technologies being unaffordable. This study sought to add value to fruits and vegetables with a focus on mangoes, tomatoes, and carrots produced locally. The study determined the effect of processing conditions and addition of fruits and vegetables on the physico-chemical and sensory properties of tomato ketchup. Tomatoes were replaced with mangoes in increments of 10% up to 50% while keeping carrot levels constant at 5%. The best sensory properties were observed in the treatment that contained 15% mango. The Physico-chemical and sensory properties of ketchup were enhanced by the addition of fruits and vegetables up to 20%. The sensory evaluation revealed that ketchup prepared by the addition of fruits and vegetables (local mangoes and carrots) was preferred as compared to the control sample at 0% mango. The color of ketchup was affected by the incorporation of mangoes and carrots and it was acceptable up to at 5% carrot and 15% mango including taste, appearance, flavor, mouthfeel and aroma. The best treatment was then subjected to different processing conditions at different holding times and temperatures of 5, 10 and 15 minutes at temperatures of 70, 75, 80, 85, 90 and 100 degrees Celsius respectively. The best conditions were observed to be between 80℃ and 85℃ and 10 to 15 minutes holding time. It was also evident that time and temperature had a significant (p<0.05) effect on the Physico-chemical properties of ketchup.