LPU scientists develop 100% natural fruit flavored chocolates with additional antioxidant properties
Researchers and Scientists at Lovely Professional University (LPU) announced that they have developed a new method to process cocoa beans using double fermentation and produce 100% natural fruit flavored chocolates with atleast 40% higher antioxidant properties. The existing methods of manufacturing fruit flavored chocolates use synthetic fruit flavors which may have adverse effect on consumers’ health, especially children. The University has been granted a patent for the innovation by India Patent Office, Government of India. The process of double fermentation, along with boosting the antioxidant properties of cocoa, enables the use of ‘natural’ fruit flavors as well and offers better texture to the chocolate.
LPU’s patented method of double fermentation enables chocolatiers to process cocoa beans and add their own naturally extracted flavors in chocolates. Under the process, cocoa beans are fermented using fruit pulp or rind (peel). This double fermentation process utilizes the indigenous microflora present in the pulp /rind and provides natural fruit flavoring to the chocolates. This leads to the enhancement of natural antioxidant properties present in the cocoa beans as well. The additional antioxidants generated are good for health and offer benefits like reduced risk of heart diseases, type 2 diabetes, inflammation and many more.
The research team comprises of Dr Jastin Samuel, who leads waste valorization research, and co-researcher, Dr Evangeline Christina, Professor of Molecular Biology and Genetic Engineering, School of Bioengineering and Biosciences at Lovely Professional University. They were assisted by Radhika Lakhanpal, alumna of 2019 batch of Integrated BSc-MSc in Microbiology of Lovely Professional University.
Dr Jastin Samuel who believes in developing solutions for industries that can reach common people said, “The invention emerged from my personal experience. I used to look out for natural fruit flavored chocolates in the market for my son, who is very fond of chocolates, but could not find them. This inspired me to find a solution. It took us one complete year of exhaustive research to come up with this novel process. I am confident that manufacturers and chocolatiers worldwide would benefit from this and consumers will have access to better and completely natural fruit flavored chocolates.”
Dr Evangeline Christina, Researcher and the Professor of Molecular Biology and Genetic Engineering at LPU said, “We are in talks with multiple leading players in the industry and have received appreciation for this method. We want to commercialize it with an Indian company and are hopeful of achieving it soon.”
About Lovely Professional University
Established in 2005, Lovely Professional University (LPU) is a private university based out of Jalandhar, Punjab. The university campus spreads over 600 acres on the outskirts of Jalandhar. LPU offers a wide variety of courses such as engineering streams, Computer Application, Hotel Management, and Tourism, Architecture and Design, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Agriculture, Fashion Design, Journalism, Films and Creative Arts, Law, Physiotherapy and Paramedical Sciences as well as Art and Languages.
With over 35,000 students currently enrolled LPU offers students full-time as well as part-time courses. LPU houses students from over 70 countries and encourages diversity. The sprawling campus consists of its own shopping mall, a MAC lab / SAP Lab for students to develop & deploy Apple apps, an aviation lab, a skating rink, in-house bowling complex, convenience stores, and numerous food kiosks.
The vision of LPU is to be a premier academic institution, recognized internationally for its contribution to industry and society through excellence in teaching, learning, research, internationalization, entrepreneurship, and leadership. LPU aims to implement a relationship of cooperation between industry and academia and to prepare graduates to be lifelong learners with strong analytical and leadership skills.
