Preparation of Nutri Beverage Mix Using Opuntia dillenii (Cactus Fruit)

Abstract

The cactus pear fruit derived from Cactaceae family plant, morphologically distinct plant families. Cactus fruit is abundantly found in Mexico and the United States, but is also grown in Africa, Madagascar, Australia, Sri Lanka and India. It contains protein, fat, fibre etc. similar to other common fruits. The whole content of free amino acids is more than compared to different fruits, contains high level of serine, g-amino butyric acid, glutamine, proline, arginine and histidine and also contains methionine. It is also rich in calcium and phosphorus. Pigments are found mainly within the fruit, betalains and carotenoids are present within the peel and pulp of various ecotypes which have shown antioxidant capacity, also anti-allergenic, anti-inflammatory, anti-carcinogenic and cardio-protective activity.