Chiku or sapota is climacteric fruit well known for its delicious and unique flavor as well as appeal. Fruit undergoes rapid over-ripening, microbial spoilage and rotting leading to high post-harvest losses. This BARC technology deals with the development of nutritious and luscious shelf stable 'Chiku Fruit Bites' product.

1. Hygienic, luscious and nutritious with health protective properties.
2. Storable up to 6 months at ambient temperature in packed condition.
3. Tasty with soft textural quality.
4. Better option for consumers even during off-season.
5. Suitable for all age groups.

1. 'Chiku Fruit Bites' is a nutritious Ready-to-Eat (RTE) food having good potential in domestic & international market.
2. It is a value added better alternative option for consumers beyond the chiku season.
3. The technology will be helpful for fruit growers and processors in converting the fruit to stable form for reducing post-harvest losses.

Chiku or sapota is climacteric fruit which ripens in 7-9 days followed by over-ripening, microbial spoilage and rotting within 14 days. Low temperature storage retards the ripening of the fruit. Thus, the post-harvest loss in chiku is quite high, i.e., up to 35%. This BARC technology deals with the development of nutritious and luscious shelf stable 'Chiku Fruit Bites' product. Processing ensures the microbiological safety of CFB during ambient temperature storage of 6 months. The developed product is amenable to storage at ambient temperature (25±2°C). The product quality attributes such as sensory appeal, physical properties, as well as biochemical and health protective functional attributes were well retained during storage. The technology would help various stakeholders such as farmers and processors involved in chiku trade and processing with value addition making larger market access.

1. Ensured hygiene and safety of the product during ambient storage.
2. Extended storage life of 6 months for its better access in domestic and international market.
3. Reduced post-harvest losses and ensured availability during off-season.
4. Nutritious and organoleptically acceptable product.
5. No added chemical preservatives.
6. Process retained health protective functional properties.
7. Suitable for all age groups.

1. 'Chiku Fruit Bites' is safe, luscious and nutritious Ready-to-Eat (RTE) food having good potential in domestic & international market.
2. It is a value added better alternative option for consumers beyond the chiku season.
3. The technology will be helpful for fruit growers and processors in converting the fruit to stable form for reducing post-harvest losses.

a. Raw materials requirement

1. Chiku fruits, Additives.

b. Equipments and other accessory requirement

1. Air dryer/Infra-red dryer, pulper/mixer grinder, sealing machine, parchment paper and irradiation services (at existing food irradiation facilities).

c. Space

1. Space requirement 25 x 20 feet.

d. Manpower requirement

1. One skilled technician and one unskilled labor would be adequate for processing and production 20 kg 'Chiku Fruit Bites'. Actual manpower would depend on production capacity.

e. Power

1. Both single & three phase power connection.