Non-enzymatic browning and ascorbic acid degradation of orange juice subjected to electroreduction and electro-oxidation treatments

Orange juice was submitted to electroreduction and electro-oxidation treatments prior to pasteurization and compared to a control juice for oxido-reduction potential (ORP), dissolved oxygen and ascorbic acid contents. Evolution of non-enzymatic browning reactions and ascorbic acid degradation was evaluated at 4, 21 and 37 °C storage temperatures. Electroreduction treatment of the juice at 6 V (cell length of 1.58 cm) created a substantial reducing reservoir as ORP decreased from + 161 to −406 mV and it decreased dissolved oxygen by more than 90% of its initial content while the ascorbic acid content was not altered. In contrast, the electro-oxidation treatment raised the final ORP of the juice by 15 to 20 mV, increased substantially the dissolved oxygen content and decreased significantly the ascorbic acid retention. Electro-oxidation treatment resulted in an increase of non-enzymatic browning reactions during storage. Both the control and electroreduced juice showed very similar trends in ascorbic acid degradation over the 3 months storage period whereas the anions, cations and amino acids profiles of the juice remain unchanged. Contrary to the control and electroreduced juices, the electro-oxidation process decreased severely the orange flavor intensity and character being characterized as musty with sour-bitter aftertaste.

Industrial relevance of electrolytic treatment to modulate the oxidation-reduction potential of comestible food systems

The limitation of shelf life imposed on comestible beverage systems (juice, beer, milk, wine, etc.) is an important and common issue for food manufactures and consumers. The shelf life is shortened by the time-dependent development of off-flavors, browning, change of colors, and deterioration of nutrients, caused by the oxidative reactions of chemical and nutrient components in the food systems. Consequently, the food is becoming unattractive to consumers. The electrochemical technique by means of an electrochemical cell has the potential in inhibiting or accelerating these deterioration reactions through reduction or oxidation of organic and inorganic compounds inherent to the products, as well as effectively controlling the oxygen content in the products. This technique can be used as an alternative to the deliberate addition of chemical compounds (sulfite and others reducing substances) to inhibit the deterioration reactions (electroreduction) as well as to accelerate the aging process of the comestible products via accelerated oxidation process (electro-oxidation).     

Kinetics of ascorbic acid degradation in potato blanching

Degradation kinetics of ascorbic acid was investigated on potato strips wrapped in aluminium foil and blanched for 5–60 min at different temperatures between 65°C and 100°C. The results confirmed that first order kinetics is adequate in describing the degradation reaction. The value of the rate constant was found to pass through a maximum at 85–90°C, indicating the inactivation of oxidative enzymes around these temperatures. Comparison of the degradation losses based on the present investigation with results on total loss of ascorbic acid during blanching reported in the literature showed that thermal degradation accounts for a considerable portion of the total loss.     

Effect of ascorbic acid on the odours of cloudy apple juice

Ascorbic acid is used in apple juice as an antibrowning agent. This study investigated the effect of ascorbic acid (0.0–0.2% w/v) on the odours of cloudy apple juice using sensory evaluation and gas chromatography (GC). The increase in ascorbic acid concentration in the apple juice resulted in increases in green and unnatural odours and decreases in fresh, fruity and apple-like odours. In the GC determination, 23 volatile compounds were detected in apple juice. Aroma value, which showed the relative importance of volatile compounds, was used to elucidate the changes in odours of apple juice due to the addition of ascorbic acid. The aroma values of hexanal and trans-2-hexenal in the apple juice with 0.2% w/v ascorbic acid increased about 4 and 5-fold from those in the ascorbic acid-free apple juice, respectively. On the other hand, the aroma values of esters insignificantly changed in the apple juice with ascorbic acid. The increases in aroma values of aldehydes corresponded well with the increase in green odour in the apple juice with ascorbic acid.     

Stability of anthocyanins and ascorbic acid in sonicated strawberry juice during storage

The stability of anthocyanins and ascorbic acid in sonicated strawberry juice during storage was investigated. Strawberry juice was sonicated at varying acoustic energy densities (AEDs) ranging from 0.33 to 0.81 W/mL and treatment times of 0–10 min. The degradation kinetics of sonicated samples followed first-order kinetics. Degradation rate constants were linearly correlated with AED (R ² > 0.91). Selected samples were stored for 10 days at 4 and 20 °C. A second-order polynomial model was employed to investigate the effects of storage time and processing variables. During storage higher loses were observed at a storage temperature of 20 °C compared to 4 °C. Predictive models developed for anthocyanins and ascorbic acid content were highly significant (P < 0.0001) and closely correlated to the experimental data (R ² > 0.91). Degradation mechanisms for anthocyanins and ascorbic acid due to sonication and storage are proposed.     

Effect of microwave pretreatment on the kinetics of ascorbic acid degradation and peroxidase inactivation in different parts of green asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.) during water blanching

In this study, the effects of two blanching conditions on ascorbic acid (AA) and peroxidase (POD) in different segments of asparagus (bud, upper, middle, and butt) were investigated. The blanching treatments were: blanching in water at 70, 80 and 90 °C (WB); microwave heating (900 W, 30 s) followed by water blanching (MW + WB). AA degradation and POD inactivation in all segments of asparagus for both treatments are well described by first-order models. The degradation rate of AA and POD is gradually increased from butt to bud segment of asparagus. In addition, MW pre-treatment could increase the E_a of AA degradation and decrease the E_a of POD inactivation during water blanching of asparagus. Therefore, it is recommended that the different segments of asparagus should be subjected to different blanching times, and MW pre-treatment could be applied for alleviating AA degradation and accelerating POD inactivation during blanching, cooking and pasteurisation in water.     

Comparison of several blanching methods on the texture and ascorbic acid content of frozen potatoes

The effect of stepwise blanching and a mixed method, in which the first step of the stepwise blanching was replaced by a short microwave treatment, have been compared with the conventional process for blanching potatoes for freezing with respect to physical and sensory properties, and ascorbic acid content. After freezing and reheating the mixed method produced a similar texture to that obtained with stepwise blanching, and both were significantly better than conventional blanching. The mixed method shortened the process time and improved retention of ascorbic acid.     

Effect of ozone processing on anthocyanins and ascorbic acid degradation of strawberry juice

Strawberry juice samples were ozonated with processing variables of ozone concentration (1.6–7.8% w/w) and treatment time (0–10 min). Effects of processing variables on anthocyanins (P3G), ascorbic acid (AA) and colour values (L^∗, a^∗, and b^∗) were determined. Significant reductions in anthocyanin content (98.2%) and ascorbic acid (85.8%) were observed at an ozone concentration of 7.8% w/w and a treatment time of 10 min. The changes in lightness (L^∗) values and total colour difference (TCD) values were fitted well to zero-order kinetics, whereas, a^∗, b^∗ followed first-order kinetics. P3G and AA were fitted to first order and fraction conversion models. The rate constants for L^∗, a^∗, b^∗ and TCD were linearly correlated with ozone concentration, whereas, P3G and AA were exponentially related.     

Effect of sonication on colour,ascorbic acid and yeast inactivation in tomato juice

Power ultrasound is recognised as a potential non-thermal technique to inactivate micro-organisms pertinent to fruit juices. In this study tomato juice was sonicated at different amplitude levels (24.4–61.0 μm) at a constant frequency of 20 kHz for treatment times (2–10 min) and pulse durations of 5 s on and 5 s off. Hunter colour values (L∗, a∗ and b∗), pH, °Brix, titratable acidity, ascorbic acid and yeast inactivation were measured. No significant differences (p < 0.05) in pH, °Brix or titratable acidity were observed. Regression modelling was used to investigate the main effects of amplitude level and treatment time. Prediction models were found to be significant (p < 0.05) with low standard errors and high coefficients of determination (R²). Model predictions for critical quality parameters of Hunter colour values (L∗, a∗ and b∗), ascorbic acid and yeast inactivation were closely correlated with the experimental results obtained.     

Determination of flavonoids and ascorbic acid in grapefruit peel and juice by capillary electrophoresis with electrochemical detection

Grapefruit (Citrus paradisi Mact. (Rutaceae)) has been known for its accumulation of flavonoids and ascorbic acid. These contents are important because of their nutritional and antioxidant properties. Five flavonoids (hesperidin, naringin, hesperedin, narigenin and rutin) and ascorbic acid were separated and determined in grapefruit juice by capillary electrophoresis with electrochemistry detection (CE-ED). Two flavonoids (hesperidin, naringin) and ascorbic acid were found in extract of grapefruit peel with the same method. And the distribution comparision of the ingredients between juice and peel was discussed. The effects of several CE parameters on the resolution were studied systematically. Under the optimum conditions, the analytes could be well separated within 25 min in a 60 mmol L⁻¹ borate buffer (pH 9.0). The response was linear over four orders of magnitude with detection limits (S/N = 3) ranging from 1.4 × 10⁻⁷ to 1.0 × 10⁻⁶ g ml⁻¹ for the analytes. The method has been successfully applied for the analysis of grapefruit with satisfactory results.     

Quantitative modelling approaches for ascorbic acid degradation and non-enzymatic browning of orange juice during ultrasound processing

The objective of this study was to develop a deterministic modelling approach for non-enzymatic browning (NEB) and ascorbic acid (AA) degradation in orange juice during ultrasound processing. Freshly squeezed orange juice was sonicated using a 1500 W ultrasonic processor at a constant frequency of 20 kHz and processing variables of amplitude level (24.4–61.0 μm), temperature (5–30 °C) and time (0–10 min). The rate constants of the NEB and AA were estimated by a primary model (zero and first order) while their relationship with respect to the processing factors was tested for a number of models, i.e., second order polynomial, different types of Ratkowsky-type model, and an Arrhenius-type model. The non-monotonic behaviour of NEB has been described more accurately by the use of a polynomial model. The rate constants of AA were described by a similar type of model having a monotonic behaviour. A synergistic effect of temperature for different amplitudes on the rate constant of both NEB and AA was observed, while an antagonistic effect of amplitude on the rate of NEB was evident. The models with the best fit were integrated to produce contour plots for the combined amplitude and temperature. The constructed contour plots illustrate that low temperatures and intermediate amplitudes, i.e., 42.7 μm, result in lower NEB and AA deterioration and consequently better quality orange juice. The overall developed modelling approaches exploit quality data in order to identify the optimal processing regions for eliminating quality deterioration of orange juice during ultrasound processing which is of high importance to the food industry.     

Influence of blanching and low temperature preservation strategies on antioxidant activity and phytochemical content of carrots, green beans and broccoli

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of blast freezing and blanching in combination followed by chilling, on the antioxidant activity (ARP), phenols, ascorbic acid and colour of broccoli, carrots and green beans. No significant changes (p > 0.05) in ARP of blanched frozen (BLFR) broccoli, carrot and green beans were observed. In contrast, UBFR (unblanched frozen) treatments caused a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in ARP and ascorbic acid content of vegetable samples. BLFR treated samples had better retention of antioxidant activity and ascorbic acid as compared to UBLR counterparts at chill storage (4 °C) for 7 days. However, no significant changes were observed in phenol content for all vegetables. Ascorbic acid decreased exponentially for both blanched and unblanched samples. The reaction rate constant (k) increased from 1.06 × 10⁻¹ day⁻¹ to 1.17 × 10⁻¹ day⁻¹ for blanched and unblanched broccoli florets and from 4.6 × 10⁻³ day⁻¹ to 1.98 × 10⁻¹ day⁻¹ for blanched and unblanched carrots during 7 days storage. Result presented here indicates greater stability of nutritional parameters for BLFR samples compared to UBFR samples during 7 days storage at 4 °C for all vegetables.     

Effect of ascorbic acid and citric acid on the quality of salted Chinese cabbage during storage

Changes in color, browning indices, enzyme activity, and physical and chemical quality during the storage period were investigated to assess the effectiveness of storage period extension along with the addition of ascorbic acid (AA) and citric acid (CA) to salted Chinese cabbage. After 16 days of storage, the change in chromaticity value showed treatment with 0.5% CA showed the lowest change in the brown index during the storage period. The control showed the highest residual activity of polyphenol oxidase among control, AA, and CA-treated salted cabbage. AA and CA treatment effectively inhibited the initial populations of microorganisms including total aerobic bacteria, lactic acid bacteria, and yeast and molds in salted Chinese cabbage during storage. Further, the texture, i.e., hardness, chewability, and elasticity, tended to decrease with increasing storage. These results suggest that treatment with AA could help maintain the quality of salted Chinese cabbage during the storage period.     

Kinetic and prediction studies of ascorbic acid degradation in normal and concentrate local lemon juice during storage

Kinetics of the loss of ascorbic acid (AA) in local lemon juice of 9° and 50° Brix stored at 25, 35, and 45 °C for 4 months have been investigated. The results indicate that increases of concentrations and temperatures increase the rate of AA degradation. The calculated values of activation energies (E^≠) and frequency factors (A) at different Brix imply that the concentration of juice does not change the mechanism of degradation. Thermodynamic functions of activation (ΔG^≠, ΔH^≠, ΔS^≠ and K^≠) have been determined and considered briefly. A direct equation for estimation of the shelf life of stored juice with respect to first-order losses of AA, at any specific temperature and degradation ratio, has been derived and programmed successfully.     

Quality of carrot juice as influenced by blanching and sonication treatments

A study was conducted to evaluate the influence of blanching and sonication on important quality parameters of carrot juice. Blanching of carrots was done in normal water and acidified water (45 g/L citric acid, pH 1.3) at 100 °C for 4 min and juice was extracted. Sonication of juice was done (frequency 20 KHz and amplitude level 70%) at 15 °C for 2 min. Significant increase (P < 0.05) was observed in total carotenoids, lycopene and lutein in blanched samples, however, this increase was more in simultaneously blanched and sonicated samples. Additionally, highest increase was observed in all these pigments as a result of combined treatment of acid blanching and sonication. Sucrose, glucose, fructose, chlorogenic acid and mineral elements (Na and K) were decreased significantly in all blanched samples while increased significantly (P < 0.05) in all sonicated samples. Significant decrease was observed in some minerals (P and Mg), total plate count, yeast and mold in all samples treated with blanching and sonication but this decrease was more in samples treated with acid blanching and sonication. The results suggest that combined treatment of blanching and sonication may successfully be employed for processing of carrot juice to improve quality.     

Ascorbic acid degradation kinetics of sonicated orange juice during storage and comparison with thermally pasteurised juice

Ascorbic acid degradation kinetics of sonicated orange juice during storage were determined and compared to thermally pasteurised samples. Acoustic energy densities (AED) ranging from 0.30 to 0.81 W/mL and treatment times of 2-10 min were investigated. The degradation kinetics of sonicated samples followed first-order kinetics (R² ≥ 0.91) during processing. During storage ascorbic acid degradation of sonicated samples followed the Weibull model (R² ≥ 0.97) with β values ranging from 0.662 to 0.697. Comparatively, first-order degradation kinetics were observed during storage for thermally pasteurised (R² = 0.98) and control samples (R² = 0.96). Increased shelf life based on ascorbic acid retention was found for sonicated samples compared to thermally pasteurised samples. Predicted shelf life for sonicated orange juice ranged from 27 to 33 days compared to 19 days for thermally pasteurised juice during storage at 10 °C. These results indicate that sonication results in enhanced retention of ascorbic acid in orange juice during storage compared to thermal processing.     

Integrated effects of ascorbic acid,flavonoids and sugars on thermal degradation of anthocyanins in blood orange juice

This study aimed to elucidate how the major intrinsic factors, such as ascorbic acid (AA), flavonoids and sugars affected the thermal degradation of blood orange anthocyanins. The results in our study indicated that AA and sugars significantly accelerated anthocyanins degradation while flavonoids had a protective effect on degradation of anthocyanins. Flavonoids and AA could reduce the influence of temperature on anthocyanins degradation rate. However, the promoting effects of sugars on anthocyanins degradation correlated with the temperature. Moreover, the degradation of anthocyanins in the presence of sugars followed complex reaction kinetics when temperature was above 70 °C, and the promoting effects of sugars on anthocyanins degradation were glucose < sucrose < fructose. The results also indicated that flavonoids had a protective effect against either AA or sugars accelerated the degradation of anthocyanins, and this protective effect played a more important role in the degradation of anthocyanins comparing to the negative effect of AA or sugars. In addition, AA and sugars showed a synergistic effect on the degradation of anthocyanins at all our investigation temperatures except 90 °C.     

A screening method for the determination of ascorbic acid in fruit juices and soft drinks

A simple and rapid liquid chromatographic method based on a new stationary phase Teknokroma, Tr-010065 Mediterranea sea₁₈ (15 cm × 0.4 cm, id 3 μm), to determine ascorbic acid in beverages is reported. With the proposed method the samples were analysed by direct injection without a previous treatment. The total analysis time does not exceed 6 min. The method showed a good repeatability (RSD < 2%: n = 6) and an excellent sensitivity (LOD = 0.01 mg/l). Seventeen samples were analysed, including fruit juices, soft drinks and isotonic beverages. Ascorbic acid contents ranged from 6.6 to 840 mg/l. The ascorbic acid stability in some beverages during their shelf-life was also evaluated. Degradation of about 54% was observed in a tea drink.     

Effect of high pressure processing on the stability of anthocyanin,ascorbic acid and color of Chinese bayberry juice during storage

The stability of anthocyanin (Cy3Gl) and ascorbic acid (AA) of pressure treated Chinese bayberry (Myrica rubra Sieb. et Zucc.) juice was investigated during storage at temperature of 4 °C and 25 °C. Samples of Chinese bayberry juice (350 mL each, packed with a polyethylene bag) were processed at 400, 500, 600 MPa in room temperature for 10 min. The retention ratio of Cy3Gl and AA content after pressure treatment was more than 98% and 96%, respectively. Both Cy3Gl and AA of pressure treated juice were more stable during storage as compared to those of the untreated control juice. The degradation of Cy3Gl and AA of samples during storage could be described using first order kinetic model. It was observed that there was a significant (p < 0.01) correlation between changes of Cy3Gl and AA content for all tested samples of Chinese bayberry juice during storage.     

Effect of refrigerated storage on ascorbic acid content of orange juice treated by pulsed electric fields and thermal pasteurization

Application of pulsed electric fields (PEF) can lead to longer shelf life of fruit juices with minimal product quality loss and good retention of fresh-like flavour. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of PEF and conventional pasteurization (90 °C, 20 s) on ascorbic acid content of orange juice, and to assess modifications in ascorbic acid concentration of orange juice stored in refrigeration at 2 and 10 °C for 7 weeks. The ascorbic acid degradation rate was −0.0003, −0.0006, −0.0009 and −0.0010 μs⁻¹ for fields of 25, 30, 35 and 40 kV/cm, respectively. With selected PEF treatment (30 kV/cm and 100 μs) the shelf life based on 50% ascorbic acid losses was 277 days for the PEF-treated orange juice stored at 2 °C, while for the pasteurized juice was 90 days.