The large number of potentially active nutrients and their multifunctional properties make Opuntia fruits and cladodes perfect candidates for the production of health-promoting food and supplements. Even though traditionally appreciated for its pharmacological properties by the Native Americans, still Opuntia pear is hardly recognized due to insufficient scientific information. However, current studies have demonstrated Opuntia fruit and vegetative cladodes to be exceptional candidates for the development of healthy food.
According to some studies demonstrating both Opuntia fruit and cladode yielding high values of important nutrients, such as betalains, amino compounds including taurine, vitamins, minerals, as well as further antioxidants (Jean Magloire Feugang, 2006). The Opuntia fruit appears to be an excellent candidate for the inclusion in food. Although Native Americans and ancient medicine have realized its antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory function, Opuntia spp. have barely been…show more content… Betalains present in fruit peel and pulp, represent a potential healthy alternative. Due to the wide range of colours available, Opuntia fruits are highly appreciated in the countries of origin, like Mexico, Argentina and southern Italy for different purposes (Moreno PR & CF Flores, 1996; Basile F, 2001).
Unfortunately, processed products based on Opuntia are extremely rare. Hence, a number of studies have recently dealt with the practical relevance of Opuntia fruit processing to open up ways for its increased commercialization, such as juice and concentrate production for food colouring purposes (Moßhammer et al., 2005). Juice obtained from the strained pulp is recommended to be a good source of natural sweeteners and colorants (Stintzing FC et al., 2001; Castellar et al., 2003; Saenz AM et al., 1998; Turker N et al.,
