Betalain extracts: Drying techniques, encapsulation, and application in food industry
Dian Shofinita, Mifta Fawwaz, Amarthya Benigna Achmadi
Abstract
Abstract One of the important food additives used in the food industry is betalain, which is applied as a natural dye. Red beet is the most common resource of betalain. To increase its shelf life, encapsulation followed by drying is commonly carried out. However, betalain is a heat‐sensitive pigment that is susceptible to degradation on thermal exposure. Moreover, drying could affect the color, shape, structure, nutrition, and content of other ingredients in betalain. This review paper provides a discussion of (1) various drying methods such as spray drying, freeze drying, vacuum drying, and their effects on the quality of the dried betalain products; (2) stability and properties of betalain pigment obtained by encapsulation using different carrier agents such as maltodextrin, gum arabic, starch, inulin, and protein; (3) several drying pretreatment and posttreatment processes to improve the recovery and stability of betalain such as extraction and optimum storage conditions. Additionally, a summary and future perspectives for further research are also provided in each section of drying methods.