Analysis of Nutritional Components and Physiological Activity of Butternut Squash (Cucurbita moschata) by Drying Methods
The purpose of this study was to provide the basic data of butternut squash (Cucurbita moschata) according to the drying methods. The proximate composition and chromaticity of freeze-dried and hot air-dried Cucurbita moschata powders were evaluated, and the antioxidant effects of these ethanolic extracts were analyzed by DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, reducing power activity, total phenolic, and flavonoid content. As a result, Cucurbita moschata was revealed to have high carbohydrate and crude protein contents, while crude ash and crude fat contents were relatively low. Also, it was confirmed that the hot air-dried Cucurbita moschata had lower L, a, and b values than the freeze-dried Cucurbita moschata. Additionally, as a result of analyzing the antioxidant activity of Cucurbita moschata ethanolic extracts, hot air-dried Cucurbita moschata ethanolic extract showed significantly superior antioxidant activity than freeze-dried Cucurbita moschata ethanolic extract. Also, hot air-dried Cucurbita moschata ethanolic extract was revealed to have a higher polyphenol content, but slightly lower flavonoid content than freeze-dried Cucurbita moschata ethanolic extract. Based on the data from this study, further experiments on Cucurbita moschata material are necessary.