Development of health drink enriched with processed garden-cress (Lepidium sativum L.) seeds

The main objective of this study was to make a formulation which can be easily taken by the consumer. Therefore, it was decided to make a health drink, keeping in view the varied need of different consumers. Garden cress (Lepidium sativum) belongs to family Cruciferae and is grown in India, North America and parts of Europe. The edible whole seed is known to have health promoting properties hence, it was assumed that these seeds can serve as raw material for functional foods, sharing its peppery, tangy flavor and aroma. Since, it is rich in proteins, carbohydrates and certain essential minerals like calcium, iron and phosphorous along with crude dietary fiber (7.6%) it can be used as health drink with milk as its base. An attempt has been made by adding 5% sugar (w/v) in skimmed milk with 1% fat and different quantity of washed, boiled and powdered seeds of garden cress along with sodium salt of Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC) as suspending agent. The drink that was found most suitable, with an overall consumer acceptability of 8.75 was that containing 3% of the seed powder. © 2012 Academic Journals Inc.