This study was conducted in order to monitor the extraction conditions for a gel-state beverage development of the Opuntia ficus-indica stem. Moreover, the organoleptic properties of the beverage prepared by the extract were optimized using the response surface methodology (RSM). The determination coefficient (R2) value for the extraction yield of the stem was 0.95 (p<0.01). The maximum extraction yield was obtained at an extraction temperature of 93.02℃, 123 min of extraction time and 22.57 mL/g of water to sample. The beverage was prepared with the addition of xanthan gum, sugar and persimmon vinegar to the extract with a central composite design. The maximum organoleptic color of the beverage was obtained at 0.38% xanthan gum, 7.91% sugar and 0.76% persimmon vinegar. The maximum organoleptic flavor was obtained at 0.30% xanthan gum, 7.06% sugar and 1.26% persimmon vinegar. The maximum organoleptic taste was obtained at 0.22% xanthan gum, 10.36% sugar and 0.90% persimmon vinegar. The maximum overall palatability (3.92 score) of the gel-state beverage was obtained at 0.35% xanthan gum, 10.83% sugar and 1.21% persimmon vinegar.

• 이기동(중부대학교 식품생명과학과) | Gee-Dong Lee Corresponding author