Gac Fruit

Gac fruit (Momordica cochinchinensis Spreng) contains carotenoids, notably beta-carotene and lycopene, along with fatty acids, vitamin E, polyphenols and flavonoids. The book surveys current research on the fruit, from how it is grown to the processing technologies used to make health products from it.

It looks at propagation and cultivation techniques aimed at raising both the yield and the quality of the crop. The aril, the part of the fruit that has traditionally been used, is covered alongside the peel, pulp and seed, which have not yet been fully put to use.

Because parts of the fruit can be made into nutrient supplements and natural colorants, the plant could become a high-value crop. The book notes that the global carotenoids market was worth about US$1.4 billion in 2017 and is expected to reach US$6.9 billion by 2026.

The text is intended as a reference for academics, researchers and graduate students in cultivation, food processing, science and nutrition. Product developers in the health food sector of the food industry will also find it useful.