Chikoo powder is a sweet, light-brown powder that captures the natural caramel-like and malty flavor of the chikoo fruit. It is often made by spray drying or freeze drying the fruit pulp, preserving its natural sweetness and providing a versatile ingredient for health foods, desserts, and beverages.
Long Description: Chikoo powder is derived from the sapota fruit (Manilkara zapota), commonly known as chikoo in India. The powder is typically produced by drying the fruit pulp and then grinding it into a fine powder. Common methods like spray drying and freeze drying are used to ensure the powder retains the fruit’s flavor and nutrients.
The resulting powder offers the distinctive sweet, earthy, and slightly grainy texture of the fresh fruit. It is a popular ingredient in the food industry for flavoring baby foods, beverages, ice creams, and baked goods. Due to its inherent sweetness, it can also serve as a natural substitute for refined sugar.
Health Benefits: Chikoo powder retains many of the health benefits of the fresh fruit. It is a good source of:
- Dietary Fiber: Promotes healthy digestion, acts as a natural laxative, and can help alleviate constipation.
- Vitamins and Minerals: Contains vitamins A, C, and E, as well as minerals like potassium, calcium, iron, and copper.
- Antioxidants: Rich in antioxidants, including polyphenols and tannins, which help combat free radicals, support immunity, and possess anti-inflammatory properties.
- Energy Booster: High in natural sugars (fructose and sucrose), providing a quick source of energy.
