~ 750 ~ The Pharma Innovation Journal 2022; SP-11(8): 750-753 ISSN (E): 2277-7695 ISSN (P): 2349-8242 NAAS Rating: 5.23 TPI 2022; SP-11(8): 750-753 © 2022 TPI www.thepharmajournal.com Received: 01-06-2022 Accepted: 05-07-2022 Deepa K Department of Fruit Science, College of Horticulture, Junagadh Agricultural University, Junagadh, Gujarat, India Karetha KM Associate Professor, Department of Post-Harvest Technology, College of Horticulture, Junagadh Agricultural University, Junagadh, Gujarat, India Corresponding Author Deepa K Department of Fruit Science, College of Horticulture, Junagadh Agricultural University, Junagadh, Gujarat, India Studies on quality of dragon fruit and lime juice blended RTS beverage Deepa K and Karetha KM Abstract The present investigation was carried out at PHT Laboratory, Department of Fruit Science, College of Horticulture, Junagadh Agricultural University, Junagadh. The experiment was conducted in Completely Randomized Design (factorial) with twenty-two treatment combinations and three replications. The blending proportions of dragon fruit juice and lime fruit juice were 100:0, 90:10, 80:20, 70:30, 60:40, 50:50, 40:60, 30:70, 20:80, 10:90 and 0:100 and stored at ambient condition and refrigerated condition. Efforts were made to find out its effect on bio-chemical composition. It was observed that, there was a gradual increase in TSS, total sugars, acidity and while, contradictory decrease in ascorbic acid and pH. Based on the results, the treatment 70:30 (Dragon fruit juice: lime juice) was found more acceptable along with 0:100(Dragon fruit juice: lime juice) in case of observative parameters. Keywords: Dragon fruit, lime, blending, RTS, storage Introduction Dragon fruit (Hylocereus sp.) is native to Southern Mexico and Central America. Commonly known as Pitaya. It has unique appearance, sweet taste, and crunchy texture. Its taste is like a combination of a kiwi or watermelon fruit and the flavor is mildly sweet with subtle earthy notes. It is being grown commercially in Israel, Vietnam, Taiwan, Nicaragua, Australia and the United States (Merten, 2003) [9] . Fruits are rich in Vitamin C (2.5 mg), Protein (1.18 g), Iron (0.74 g) and rich in antioxidants like flavonoids, phenolic acid, and beta- cyanin. Fruits are naturally fat free and high in fiber, lowers blood sugar levels, strengthens immune system. Seeds are rich in essential fatty acids, improves gastrointestinal and cardiovascular health, reduces high blood pressure, improves respiratory system function, helps to prevent diabetes, removes heavy metals from the body and brings down cholesterol levels. Lime (Citrus aurantifolia) is one of the most popular citrus fruits in the world with its native tropical and subtropical South-East Asia grown for their edible acidic fruits which are sour, round and bright green in color. Largely cultivated in Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Bihar and to a limited extent in other states covering an area of 3,27, 280 ha and 3,548,390 MT of production (NHB 2020). They are rich in Vitamin C (29.1 mg), Vitamin A (50 IU), Calcium (33 mg) and rich in antioxidants in human body, including flavonoids, limonoids, kaempferol, quercetin, and ascorbic acid. It reduces heart disease risk, prevents kidney stone formation, aids iron absorption and lowers the risk of certain cancers. To improve the nutritional quality of RTS by value addition i.e., by blending of dragon fruit and lime juice, thereby increasing the value of both fruits. Nowadays many fruits are wasted due to many reasons, this waste can be avoided by many means and one such way is blending. Many people don’t consume few fruits, which are highly nutritious but acidic in nature, like citrus. Hence this fruit can be utilized to prepare RTS blends. With this background, the present study was conducted to ascertain the Studies on quality of dragon fruit and lime juice blended RTS beverage. Materials and Methods The present investigation was carried out at PHT Laboratory, Department of Fruit Science, College of Horticulture, Junagadh Agricultural University, Junagadh in the year 2021-2022. The experiment was conducted in Completely Randomized Design (factorial) with twenty- two treatment combinations and three replications. Dragon fruits and lime utilized in this research were procured from nearby market, Junagadh, Gujarat. Fully grown, healthy and ripe fruits were purchased. The fruits were cleaned under running water to eliminate dirt and dust particles.