Abstract:
The changes in chemical composition of jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) during different stages of maturation (stage I–stage IV) were investigated. Further, deep‐fried jackfruit chips, a very popular snack of Asian countries, was prepared and the occurrence of acrylamide in the chips was estimated and correlated with the composition. Total carotenoids increased during maturation, while ascorbic acid was found to decrease. The sugars—glucose, fructose, and sucrose—increased during maturation. Major amino acids in jackfruit were leucine, isoleucine, asparagine, and threonine followed by valine, serine, phenylalanine, lysine, and glutamine. The total phenolic and flavonoid content decreased during ripening. Chlorogenic acid was the major phenolic compound. It was observed that the acrylamide content in jackfruit chips increased with maturity. The sugars demonstrated a positive correlation with acrylamide formation, whereas phenolic compounds exhibited a negative correlation. Based on the acrylamide content, stage I is recommended for the preparation of jackfruit chips.