Relationship between weather conditions and the physicochemical characteristics of cladodes and mucilage from two cactus pear species.

ABSTRACT: Climate change, limited water resources and expected population increases would require crops which contribute toward more resilient, more productive, more sustainable and climate-smart food systems. The cactus pear is a drought-resistant and sustainable food source to humans and livestock alike. Cactus mucilage has multiple applications in the food and packaging industry. It is eco-friendly, economical, functional and has multiple health benefits. However, the researchers observed umpteen variations in extracted mucilage yield and viscosity every time the cladodes were harvested, making the standardisation of formulations troublesome. We aimed to examine the effect of weather conditions on the physicochemical characteristics of cactus pear cladodes and mucilage extracted over two seasons

SUBMITTER: du Toit A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7430719 | biostudies-literature | 2020

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature