Optimization of the pulp ratio of , and and fermentation time in the production of a "fruit brandy".

Brandy, produced by the distillation of wine, is highly consumed in Cameroon, most of which is imported, whereas this region harnesses a vast diversity of fruits, which could be exploited in producing wines and spirits. These fruits have interesting health virtues and are prone to rapid postharvest losses. This study is aimed at producing brandy from a combination of pineapple (), watermelon () and guava (), with an objective to optimize the ratio of fruit pulps and fermentation time in order to produce wine, then brandy of acceptable taste and flavor. A D-optimal 3-component, 1-factor experimental design was used to obtain the best wine formulation to be distilled. The factors retained were: the volumes of Pineapple (A), watermelon (B) and guava (C) and the fermentation time (D) was considered as a process factor. Based on the experimental design using Design Expert 11 software, 24 wine samples were formulated. After statistical analyses, the pH, alcohol content and viscosity were considered for mathematical modeling due to their significant impacts during fermentation (pH and viscosity) and distillation (alcohol content). Optimization for wine production gave a fruit formulation of 69, 19 and 12% of pineapple, watermelon and guava respectively, with a fermentation time of 11 days. Distillation of this wine gave an ethanol output of 72%, from which two distinct Brandy was obtained: one (E) in which dilution was done with clarified wine, and the second (E) with distilled water and a roasted bark of (cypress) added to it. After six weeks of aging at ambient temperature, physicochemical characteristics showed a vitamin C content of 100 and 80 mg/L, polyphenols content of 22.77 and 42.77 mqGAE/100 g, and a titratable acidity of 1.42 and 0.45 meq.g of tartaric acid respectively for E and E. After sensory analysis, brandy sample E was preferred.