Study on nutrient compositions of and processed products developed from son tra (Docynia indica (Wall.)) - Second part: In-depth study of bioactive substances in son tra fruit and its processed product development. AFLI Technical Report

Tao meo is the local name of the H’mong apple. The other names are Taorung, maccam, macsamcha and Son tra. In Vietnam, Son tra distributes mainly in the northern mountainous provinces like Son La, Lai Chau, Ha Giang, Lao Cai, Yen Bai. It distributes at elevations above 1000 masl and even more common at 1500-1700 masl. Son tra has been traditionally used as supplement remedies, stimulating digestion, appetite, bloating treatment, heartburn. The study will be focusing on (1) in-depth evaluation of some important chemical compositions of son tra such as triterpene acid, polyphenol and organic acids and (2) preparation of some semi-finished products from Son tra (in water extract form) as pre-product for producing instant tea, son tra gel and their standardization. The analysis of the study has been conducted at quality analysis laboratory. The result shows that the most essential chemical substances of son tra fruits are triterpene acids, polyphenols and organic acids. The tested son tra products in this study include instant tea and son tra gel proved to be acceptable with simple technology, low cost and low investment. Study on consumer behavior toward to developed products is recommended to be carried out before mass production.