Development of an Infusion Based on Romaine Lettuce and Banana for Treating Insomnia

Document pages: 11 pages

Abstract: An infusion was developed based on green romaine lettuceleaves and banana. Further, its sensorial acceptability was evaluated as apossible alternative treatment for insomnia. The romaine lettuces and bananasused were washed, chopped, dehydrated and ground. Optimal lettuce dehydrationtime was determined through charting the weight lost and examining the curve.This was found after 180 minutes at 60°C. Two formulas were developed, the first with 1.1 gof dehydrated romaine lettuce and 0.2 g of dehydrated banana, and the secondwith 1.1 g of dehydrated romaine lettuce and 0.4 g of dehydrated banana.Sensory analysis was conducted using sorting tests for taste, aroma, pairedpreferences and intention to purchase. Tasters preferred the formula with alower quantity of dehydrated banana. 85 of tasters indicatedthat they would buy this infusion due to its potential functional propertiesfor overcoming insomnia.