Production of Mixed Fruits (Watermelon, Banana, and Pineapple) Wine Using Saccharomyces cerevisiae Isolated from Palm Wine

Postharvest losses and rapid nutrient degradation due to fruit spoilage necessitate alternative preservation methods. Wine production presents a viable approach to minimizing fruit waste while retaining essential nutrients. In this study, mixed fruit wines (watermelon, banana, and pineapple) were produced using Saccharomyces cerevisiae isolated from palm wine as a starter culture. After secondary fermentation, the wines maintained an acidic pH range (2.29±0.1 to 3.25±0.2), a stable fermentation temperature (26.50±1.1°C to 27.00±1.1°C), specific gravity values of 1.021±0.02 kg/L and 1.027±0.03 kg/L, and total acidity levels of 1.57±0.2% and 2.11±0.1% for Wines A and B, respectively. The final alcohol content was 8.40±2.9% in Wine A and 9.84±3.6% in Wine B. Proximate analysis demonstrated the retention of key nutrients post-clarification and maturation, and sensory evaluation indicated a higher consumer preference for Wine B ( P >0.05). These findings highlight the potential of indigenous S. cerevisiae strains from palm win for efficient wine fermentation and support the utilization of mixed fruits as a sustainable raw material for value-added wine production. This approach not only mitigates fruit wastage but also provides an economic avenue for enhancing fruit utilization.