Guyabano Evolution

Chapter I

THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND

Introduction

Juices produced from tropical fruits have increasingly gained global importance due to their characteristic exotic aroma and colour. There are different types of tropical fruits readily available for the production of fruit juice. These include orange, grape, pineapple, banana, guava and watermelon. Their uses depend on the type of drink or juice one intends to produce. The juice may be produced from single fruit or combination of fruits of different choices. Fruits may also be processed into other fruits products such as beverages, wine, jellies, jam, and fruit-butter preserves and pure. There are fruits that are less well known or highly dispersed. Such fruits include lychee, babacomamay and soursop (Bates et al., 2001; Abbo et al., 2006).

Fruits are one of the sources of energy needed by our body. Importance of the fruits in the human diet is universally recognized. Fruits hydrate our body. Also, they are rich in fiber which is essential in the smooth movement of food in the body’s digestive system. It is also one of the major sources of vitamins without which the human body cannot maintain proper health and resistance to diseases. Besides, they also contain minerals, salts, protein, cellulose which protects human body against various disorders.

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World demand for tropical beverages is projected to grow by 1% per year from 1999-2010, while world net exports is placed at 0.9% per year mostly coming from developing economies. Overseas demand for Philippine fruit purees and juices from 2006-2010 shows an annual average growth rate of 5.62%.If the same rate for overseas demand is maintained, the Philippines will need additional capacity to supply around US$121.61 million worth of trade in the sector by 2015. Export proceeds for 2010 valued at US$ 92.52 million decreased by 4.8% from the previous year’s exports of US$ 97.19 million (BOI, 2016).

Based on BAS crop statistics of 2003; a total land area of 3,016 has. were planted to guyabano in the five leading producing regions namely: Western Visayas (705 has.); Region IV-A (643 has.); Cagayan Valley (400 has.); Central Visayas (169 has.); and Central Luzon (165 has.) (BPI, 2003).

Guyabano (Annonamuricata L.) or Soursop, Guanabana or Graviola, is known as large and versatile fruit. Guyabano is highly popular around the world, but are rarely found fresh outside of the tropical areas in which they are grown.

The plant is grown as a commercial crop for its 20-30 cm or 7.87-11.8 inch long prickly sweet heart-shaped fruit with a soft-spine green outer skin and soft pulpy white, fibrous cotton-like flesh, which can have a mass of up to 2.5 kg or 5.5 lbs. The flesh of the fruit consists of an edible white pulp and a core of indigestible black seeds. Its flavor is described as a combination of strawberry and pineapple with sour citrus flavor notes contrasting with an underlying creamy flavor reminiscent of coconut or banana. The specie is the only member of the genus

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Annona that is suitable for processing and preservation. The sweet pulp is used to make juice as well as candies, sorbets, and ice cream flavourings. The flesh of the fruit consist of a white edible pulp that is high in carbohydrates and considerable amounts of Vitamin C, Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Potassium and dietary fiber. Guyabano is low in cholesterol, saturated fat and sodium (PinoyEntre, 2010).

Guyabano is rich in carbohydrates, dietary fiber, and Vitamins C, B1, and B2. And also, it is generally high in flavonoid content. Flavonoids are phytochemicals that have been found to inhibit or even prevent the growth of viruses, carcinogens, and allergens.It has been consumed by diabetics because it lowers their blood sugars and more effective than Metformin, which is commonly used as a maintenance drug of diabetics.

In addition, guyabano has been scientifically and traditionally proven to have great natural benefits. It helps lower fever, spasms, heart rate, and blood pressure. It also helps to relieve pain, inflammation, and asthma. Guyabano extract can prevent the growth of cancer cells, harmful bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, even as it stimulates digestion and stop convulsions (DOST,2013). Guyabano has low glycemic index and low glycemic load (Passos, 2015).

Guyabano fruit is rich in nutrient; its high moisture would encourage microbial growth and detoriation (Degnon et. al, 2013). The storage process affects the shelf life of the juice.