Multiresponse Optimization of Reconstitution Conditions for Iron Rich Date Juice Using Response Surface Methodology

Date fruits (Phoenix dactylifera L.) widely used for the management of iron deficiency anemia contain, high iron and antinutrient contents. Date juice obtained from the reconstitution of date powder (DP) is an alternative for those facing challenges in chewing dates. The reconstitution process, when well designed, can offer an opportunity to enhance the antinemic potential of date juice by maximizing its iron content while minimizing its antinutrients level. The aim of this study was to optimize the reconstitution conditions of juice of the Noble date variety Deglet Nour using a Central Composite Design of three factors: temperature, time, and DP–to–water (W) ratio (w/v) varying from 40 to 80°C, 20–40 min, and 20 and 40 DP:100 W, respectively. The iron, phytates, oxalates, and phenolics content of date juices were evaluated. The results for optimization indicated that the ideal reconstitution conditions were a temperature of 56.26°C, a time of 25.07 min, and a solid–to–water ratio of 34.93 g/100 mL. Date juice reconstituted using these optimal conditions exhibited iron, phytates, oxalates, and total phenolics content of 16.12 mg/100 mL, 3.11 mg/100 mL, 19.78 mg/100 mL, and 1490.81 mg/100 mL, respectively. This reconstituted date juice with high iron content and low antinutrient level possesses great potential in the management of anemia.