The Group Functional Food Research (GAF) from National University in Medellin has been working for a year, with the support of the Administrative Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (Colciencias), in the industrial production of food from the Hass avocado.
According to the director of GAF, Misael Cortes, the intention is to develop "an avocado base powder, avocado powder with added calcium, iron and vitamins A and D, guacamole powder and seasonings."
The research, which is at an early stage, foresees the development of products from the avocado powder and an implementation phase in which the "raw avocado powder base materials and the avocado powder with added active components will be used and the dressings will be developed, "said Cortes to Colombia.inn, an Efe operated agency.
According to the professor, the avocado base powder would be an ingredient that could be used in the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical sectors, and it would be a very stable product that would have the great advantage of prolonging the fruit's shelf life when stored under proper conditions.
Although the avocado powder has been developed in countries like Mexico, Cortes said the investigation, scheduled for three years, was innovating because it was developing avocado powder with active components as well as guacamole and dressings.
The researcher stated that the avocado powder with active ingredients, such as iron, calcium and vitamins, "might help mitigate the nutritional deficiencies of the Colombian people."
The study, which is led by a team of food engineers, agricultural engineers, chemists and zootechnicians, has allowed the university to partner up with local businesses HRA UniquÃmica and Taco Nacho Mex.
Source: COLOMBIA.INN