Removal of phenolic compounds in pomegranate juices using ultrafiltration and laccase-ultrafiltration combinations

Phenolic compounds of fruit juices are responsible for haze and sediment formation as well as for color, bitterness and astringency. The influence of ultrafiltration (UF) and laccase-UF combination was investigated on phenolic contents of pomegranate juices and on filtration output. Laccase-treated and then ultrafiltered pomegranate juices have shown a rapid increase in their color, when compared to only ultrafiltered (control) samples. Kinetic parameters of laccase were also determined. During the oxidation period, the changes occurring in pomegranate juices were estimated from phenolic contents, color and anthocyanin measurements. Results have shown that laccase oxidation produced a significant decrease in phenolic content of pomegranate juices while juice color the increased. However, in recent literatures, the possibility to remove polyphenols in apple juices was reported. We decided in this study that laccase treatment can not be applied due to the loss of natural red color and unwanted dark brownish color formation in pomegranate juice.     

Impact of processing and storage on the phenolic profiles and contents of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) juices

Juices were obtained on pilot-plant scale from untreated, steamed and peeled pomegranate fruits (Punica granatum L.), respectively, by applying increasing pressures and various juice treatments, i.e., enzymatic treatment, filtration, clarification and pasteurization, to determine the influence of process technology on the phenolic profiles and contents of the juices. Polyphenols were characterized and quantified by HPLC-DAD-ESI/MSⁿ, and total phenolics and antioxidant capacity of the juices were determined by Folin–Ciocalteu, FRAP and TEAC assays, respectively. The total amounts of anthocyanins and colorless phenolics in the juices significantly differed depending on the applied technology. Highest phenolic recoveries were obtained from steamed fruits without further treatment. In contrast, lowest phenolic contents were determined in the juices produced from peeled fruits, i.e., the isolated seeds with adherent arils. With increasing pressures, polyphenol recoveries were enhanced, whereas juice treatments such as microfiltration and fining lowered phenolic contents of the juices. Furthermore, the amounts of individual phenolics were determined by HPLC-DAD with ellagitannins dominating the phenolic profiles. Juices solely produced from the edible parts of pomegranate exhibited lower amounts of ellagitannins compared with the juices from entire fruits. In contrast, the former juices were characterized by the highest amounts of gallotannins, hydroxybenzoic acids, hydroxycinnamic acids and dihydroflavonols. These results were consistent with the astringency of the juices. Additionally, storage experiments were performed at 4 °C and 20 °C in the dark and 20 °C under light exposure, revealing significant pigment degradation and concomitant color loss, especially at elevated temperatures and upon illumination, whereas the contents of non-anthocyanin phenolics and antioxidant capacity remained virtually unchanged throughout storage.     

Influence of origin source, different fruit tissue and juice extraction methods on anthocyanin, phenolic acid, hydrolysable tannin and isolariciresinol contents of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) fruits and juices

To gain more comprehensive knowledge of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) fruit composition and its impact on juice features, fruits and juices produced from fruits of eleven different provenances were investigated by HPLC–DAD-ESI/MSⁿ for their monomeric phenolic and lignan profiles. Total phenolics and antioxidant capacity were monitored by the Folin-Ciocalteu, ferric reducing antioxidative power and Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity assays. Peels, mesocarp, seeds and juices obtained from isolated arils (PJAs) as well as from entire fruits were separately analyzed. Ellagitannins were found to be the predominant phenolics in all samples except in PJAs. However, due to the low lignan amounts, only isolariciresinol could be quantitated in peels and mesocarp. The peels and mesocarp revealed highest contents of hydrolyzable tannins (27–172 g/kg and 32–263 g/kg, respectively) and isolariciresinol (4.9–19.8 mg/kg and 5.0–13.6 mg/kg, respectively). To the best of our knowledge, a systematic investigation of monomeric phenolic compounds and isolariciresinol considering diverse pomegranate fruits has been performed for the first time. The study demonstrates that raw material and extraction process have significant impact on juice composition and thus must be carefully selected. Furthermore, pomegranate processors should select juice extraction processes according to the final designation of the product, that is, distinguish between dietary products being rich in phenolic compounds having an astringent taste, and juices for consumption having an appealing taste but lower amounts of phenolics, respectively. This study may further contribute to facilitate authenticity control of diverse pomegranate products and help predict sensory and biofunctional characteristics of pomegranate juices.     

Comparison of the polyphenolic composition and antioxidant activity of European commercial fruit juices

Thirty six commercial European fruit juices were tested to ascertain their antioxidant capacity and polyphenolic composition. Six of the products were labelled 100% pomegranate juice, the others included 20 brands of diluted pomegranate juice or pomegranate blended with other fruit juices and 10 different non-pomegranate fruit juices. The antioxidant capacity of all the juices was determined while anthocyanin, ellagitannin and ellagic acid profiles of the 26 pomegranate juices and pomegranate juice blends were obtained using HPLC-PDA-MS(2). Additional analysis was conducted on seven of the juices using HPLC with an on-line antioxidant detection system. Three of the "pure" pomegranate juices had the highest ellagitannin content and the highest antioxidant capacity. Only one of these three juices was rich in anthocyanins. The other "pure juices" had differences in their HPLC "pomegranate" fingerprint and also had a lower antioxidant capacity, in some cases lower than that of some of the blended juices. Vitamin C rather than phenolic compounds was the major contributor to the antioxidant capacity for some of the juices. Statistical analysis of both the antioxidant assay and the HPLC on-line antioxidant data demonstrated that the ellagitannins were the major antioxidants in the pomegranate juices. The complexity of the polyphenolic profile of pomegranates necessitates the use of HPLC-PDA-MS(2) for a thorough evaluation of juice composition and authenticity.     

Sensory and physicochemical characterization of juices made with pomegranate and blueberries, blackberries, or raspberries

The quality parameters of 1 commercial pomegranate juice mixed with 5 different concentrations of blueberry, blackberry, or raspberry juices were studied. The pH, total soluble solids content, titratable acidity, and total phenolic content were determined. To understand the aroma differences of the juices, solid phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was used to determine the volatile compounds present in the mixtures. A consumer study also was carried out to relate consumer ratings to the instrumental data and to determine acceptance and possible modifications of the designed juices. Four juices received the highest scores in overall consumer liking: pomegranate/blueberry juice with 20% and 50% of blueberry, pomegranate/blackberry with 10% of blackberry, and pomegranate/raspberry with 10% of raspberry. The main characteristics in these juices were: a high maturity index (from 13.9 to 16.5), low acidity (0.79 to 1.09 g citric acid 100 per milliliter juice), and the presence of aromatic compounds typical in blueberries such as 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-one, α-terpineol, and E-nerol. The total phenolic content was significantly higher in the pomegranate/blackberry 90%/10% sample, raising around 3500 mg gallic acid equivalents per liter, and could be a positive determinant for consumers interested in purchasing healthful products. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The data presented in this article will help the juice industry, in the United States and elsewhere, to understand the consumer's preferences for pomegranate blended juices. Pomegranate juices have high antioxidant content, which makes these juices more desirable for the health-conscious consumer of today.     

Improved Ultrafiltration for Color Reduction and Stabilization of Apple Juice

Polyphenols that are responsible for haze-formation and browning during storage of clear apple juice and concentrates could be selectively removed by an ultrafiltration process using membranes of polyether sulfone and polyvinylpyrrolidone. Results were compared with those from commercial UF membranes made out of regenerated cellulose acetate. The effects of laccase treatment on removal of polyphenols and color in apple juice were also investigated. Custom membranes were effective to reduce the amount of polyphenols. A remarkable desired color removal of apple juice could also be achieved using these membranes. Resulting products were stable in color and clarity at 50°C up to 6 wk. Laccase treatment increased the percentage removal of polyphenols from apple juices. However, laccase treated samples were more susceptible to coloration and haze-formation during storage.     

Effects of cyclodextrin type on vitamin C, antioxidant activity, and sensory attributes of a mandarin juice enriched with pomegranate and goji berries

Abstract: The effects of the addition of cyclodextrins (CDs), β‐CD, or HP‐β‐CD (1%), on the protection of antioxidant compounds of mandarin juices enriched with pomegranate extract and goji berries juice, was studied. Juices were prepared and after their thermal treatment (98 °C, 30 s) they were stored at 4 °C during 75 d. Vitamin C content, CIE L*a*b* color, antioxidant capacity, retinol equivalents, and sensory properties were studied. Losses on vitamin C were higher (6%) for juices with β‐CD than juices with HP‐β‐CD. Retinol equivalents degradation was lower (3.4%) in juices with HP‐β‐cyclodextrins than in those treated with β‐CD. Lower losses were observed for the instrumental and sensory color intensity in juices with HP‐β‐CD addition. Finally, the antioxidant capacity was also higher in juices treated with HP‐β‐CD. Finally, the overall sensory quality of juices with HP‐β‐CD was the best one after 30 d of cold storage. Even though β‐CD addition did not cause any improvement compared with control juice (without CD addition), the benefits of adding HP‐β‐CD to this particular juice were shown in almost all parameters under study. Practical Application: The present study deals with the practical aspects of the utilization of CDs and CD‐complexes in the food industry. The molecular encapsulation of lipophilic food ingredients with CD are supposed to improve the stability of flavors, vitamins, colorants, and antioxidant activity, leading to extended product shelf life. The HP‐β‐CD treated mandarin juice enriched with pomegranate extract and juice of goji berries will have a more intense color, higher vitamin C content, retinol equivalents, and antioxidant activity during storage and shelf life than control juices, with no CD addition.     

APPLE JUICE QUALITY AS INFLUENCED BY ULTRAFILTRATION

Objective quality of ultrafiltered (UF) apple juice compared favorably to apple juice filtered by conventional plate and frame filtration (PF). Agtron red and green values were higher for the UF juice, indicating a lighter colored product. Agtron green values were lower after 4 months of storage and compared well to juice from conventional methods over the remaining 8 months of storage. Green color of the UF juice remained steady at storage temperatures of either 1° or 21°C and was equal to the color values of the conventional juice stored at 1°, 21° or 32°. Clarity of the UF juice was excellent and remained stable over the entire storage period at either 1 or 21° with only a slight drop in clarity at 32°. UF juice was rated significantly lower in sensory flavor than PF juice. Sensory color of the UF juice was not rated as high as the PF juice at the start of the study, but as time in storage progressed sensory color improved. Initial panel reaction to UF apple juice was that the UF juice was too light in color and watery in flavor.     

Antioxidant activity and total phenolic,organic acid and sugar content in commercial pomegranate juices

Pomegranate fruit and pomegranate juices (PJs) have taken great attention for their health benefits in the last years. The purpose of this study is to analyse the antioxidant activities, along with the organic acid and sugar contents of pomegranate juices sold in the Turkish markets. In the present study, we evaluated total phenolics (TPs), free radical scavenging capacity by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and ferric reducing capacity of seven commercial PJs. Organic acid and sugar contents of juices were determined by capillary zone electrophoresis. The results showed that commercial pomegranate juices had markedly high total phenolic contents and antioxidant capacity. Fructose (F) and glucose (G) were found as the major sugars. The major acids were citric and malic. From the F/G ratio, organic acid profiles, TPs, and antioxidant capacity values, a possible adulteration was detected in one of the juices.     

Evaluation of Microbial Stability,Bioactive Compounds,Physicochemical Properties,and Consumer Acceptance of Pomegranate Juice Processed in a Commercial Scale Pulsed Electric Field System

This paper investigated the feasibility for pasteurizing raw (100 %) pomegranate juice in a commercial scale pulsed electric field (PEF) processing system. The juice was processed at 35 and 38 kV/cm for 281 μs at 55 °C with a flow rate of 100 L/h. Effect of PEF processing on microbial stability, color, °Brix, pH, sediment, antioxidant activity, total phenolic content, anthocyanin, and sensory properties after the treatments and during storage at 4 °C for 12 weeks were studied and compared to those of thermally processed juice. PEF treatments significantly (p?<?0.05) inhibited the growth of total aerobic bacteria, which remained at <2.5 log colony-forming units (CFU)/ml during the 12-week storage. No yeast and mold were detected (<0.69 log CFU/ml) in the PEF-treated juices during storage up to weeks 10 and 12, which is similar to the thermally processed juice. There were no significant differences in pH and °Brix values between the PEF processed juice and unprocessed juice. PEF processing did not alter the contents of total phenolics and anthocyanin as compared to unprocessed juice. PEF processing had significantly (p?<?0.05) less impact on the color of pomegranate juice than thermal processing. PEF-treated juice had the same consumer satisfaction scores as the unprocessed juice, which were significantly (p?<?0.05) higher than thermally processed juice samples. There was no significant difference between the two PEF treatments in all results. This study demonstrated that PEF technology extended microbial shelf-life and preserved the major quality and nutritional characteristics of pomegranate juice, and hence, is technically feasible for commercialization in the juice industry.     

制汁工艺对紫薯汁品质及香气成分的影响

为探究加工工艺对紫薯汁品质的影响,以渝紫7号为原料,采用生浆、熟浆、蒸料3 种工艺将紫薯加工成 紫薯汁。比较分析3 种制汁工艺对紫薯汁糖类质量分数、花色苷含量、总酚质量浓度、褐变指数、抗氧化活性、色 泽等品质指标的影响,并进行感官评价和香气成分分析。结果表明：生浆汁对1,1-二苯基-2-三硝基苯肼自由基的清 除率（72.26%）和羟自由基清除率（81.27%）显著高于熟浆汁和蒸料汁（P＜0.05）,但褐变最严重,色泽及香气 不佳;蒸料汁花色苷含量（0.78 mg/100 g）显著高于熟浆汁和生浆汁（P＜0.05）,但色泽偏暗,感官评分及香气 不如熟浆汁;熟浆汁抗氧化活性居中,但褐变指数（0.63）显著低于蒸料汁和生浆汁（P＜0.05）,色泽较好,综 合感官评分最高,呈现透亮的深紫色,口感柔和,香气品质最佳。共鉴定出40 种香气成分,其中熟浆汁中鉴定出 21 种,占总峰面积的82.38%,主要香气成分为酯类（28.19%）和醇类（20.14%）。综合考虑,熟浆汁品质最佳。     

Comparative study on antioxidant properties of carrot juice stabilised by high‐intensity pulsed electric fields or heat treatments

BACKGROUND: The effect of high‐intensity pulsed electric field (HIPEF) processing (35 kV cm^?1 for 1500 µs using 6‐µs bipolar pulses at 200 Hz) on the antioxidant features (vitamin C, β‐carotene, total phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity) of carrot juice as well as on peroxidase activity was investigated and compared to the observed in heat pasteurised juices (90 °C for 60 s or 30 s) having the fresh juice as a reference. RESULTS: HIPEF and heat‐treated carrot juices had higher β‐carotene and lower vitamin C contents than the untreated juices immediately after processing. The antioxidant capacity of the juices was significantly modified neither by HIPEF nor by thermal treatments. POD activity decreased drastically (≥93.3%) after processing irrespective of the treatment applied. Vitamin C and β‐carotene content decreased throughout the storage following an exponential trend (R² = 0.801–0.984) with degradation rates between 1.7 × 10^?2 and 3.5 × 10^?2 day^?1. Vitamin C and β‐carotene contents were better maintained in HIPEF‐treated than in heat‐pasteurised juices throughout the storage. Total phenolic content and the antioxidant capacity of the HIPEF‐treated juice did not substantially differ from that of the thermally treated juice for 56 days. CONCLUSION: HIPEF processing may help to achieve fresh‐like carrot juices with increased amounts of health‐related phytochemicals. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry     

Quality of Commercial Apple Juices Evaluated on the Basis of the Polyphenol Content and the TEAC Antioxidant Activity

The quality of 7 commercial apple juices, after 11 ‐mo storage, was assessed on the basis of polyphenol and vitamin C contents, and also on the Trolox® equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) value. Phenolic acids, flavonoids, and vitamin C were quantified using high‐performance liquid chromatography. It was shown that the content of phenolic acids in juices varied up to 2‐fold and flavonoids up to 4.5‐fold. Moreover, storage of juices resulted in a decrease of phenolic acids (5% to 21%), flavonoids (8% to 19%), and also of TEAC values (6% to 14%). Significant correlations between polyphenol content and TEAC values for fresh, stored, and all juices (fresh plus stored) and no correlation for vitamin C indicate that the TEAC value of apple juices depends mainly on their polyphenol content. Based on these results, it is concluded that the TEAC value, directly reflecting polyphenol content, may serve as a useful parameter to assess the quality of apple juice at any stage of its shelf life.     

Combinatory Effect of Thermal Treatment and Blending on the Quality of Pomegranate Juices

In the food industry, browning and colour alteration are usually the main problems to solve in red juices. In an attempt to ease complications due to pomegranate juice processing, the combination of thermal treatment, storage at selected temperature and blending of juices was assessed as a novel and combined solution. A pure monovarietal juice, a combination of two widely distinct varietal juices (75 % Mollar de Elche + 25 % Wonderful) and a blend of pomegranate juice plus lemon (75 % + 25 %, respectively) were compared after pasteurization at two different heat treatments (high temperature–short time (HTST) and low temperature–long time (LTLT)). The effect of processing on the bioactive composition and colour parameters was monitored during juice shelf-life at two storage conditions (room and refrigeration temperatures). The reaction kinetics of main phytochemicals and a factorial analysis were also performed in order to achieve comprehensive data on the evolution of juice quality during storage. Results displayed how blending can protect the desirable properties of pomegranate juices better than pure monovarietal juices. Likewise, a high specificity between thermal treatment and kind of juice was found for each considered parameter. HTST exhibited a higher protective role than LTLT for blends of varietal pomegranate juices, whilst LTLT seemed to protect mixtures with lemon much better than HTST. Moreover, the concomitant degradation of anthocyanins and vitamin C and their role in colour variations were exposed. Overall, the array of outcomes might provide a satisfactory solution of colour alteration in pomegranate juices as well as red fruits in general.     

Effect of Ultrafiltration on Anthocyanin and Flavonol Content of Black Currant Juice (Ribes nigrum L.)

This paper evaluates the efficiency of ultrafiltration and the effects of processing on the total anthocyanin and flavonol contents of black currant juice at chosen operational conditions. Ultrafiltration of black currant juices was carried out using Biomax 100?kDa polyethersulfone membrane. Ultrafiltration was used to process the juice prior concentration by reverse osmosis; with the aim to enhance the efficiency of the concentration process in terms of permeate flux. To avoid the fouling of the membrane, the juices were depectinized with Panzym Super E liquid enzyme preparation. The ultrafiltration was carried out at a transmembrane pressure of 2?bars and the operating temperature of 25?°C. The effect of processing on the valuable anthocyanin and flavonol content of the juices was evaluated based on the results of high-performance liquid chromatography analyses. The article includes detailed analyses of anthocyanin and flavonol compounds of the enzyme treated and ultrafiltered juice as compared with the original juice. The results indicate that, due to the enzymatic treatment, the valuable compound content of the juice increases. However, the ultrafiltration process resulted in a significant loss of a valuable content; 54% of total flavonol and 50% of total anthocyanins maintained in ultrafiltered juice when compared to the feed samples.     

Application of sepiolite in clarification of pomegranate juice: changes on quality characteristics during process

In this study, for the first time, the function of acid‐activated sepiolite clay was evaluated for clarification of pomegranate juice. The optimum conditions of clarification process were achieved using response surface methodology based on juice turbidity as a response. After that, under optimal condition, efficiency of sepiolite, bentonite and combination of these fining agents with gelatin and kieselgel was compared for clarifying pomegranate juice. The results showed that the best conditions for juice clarification were 0.05% (w/v) clay concentration, temperature of 50 °C and time of 2 h. The results revealed that treatments of bentonite–gelatin–kieselgel and sepiolite–gelatin–kieselgel were the most active fining agents that their use led to a reduction of 99.7% in turbidity of pomegranate juice. Kinetic study for different features was performed, and the results indicated that rate of changes in turbidity, viscosity, total phenolic contents and colour with time followed first‐, first‐, zero‐ and zero‐order kinetic models, respectively.     

A new drink rich in healthy bioactives combining lemon and pomegranate juices

Nowadays, the interest in dietary antioxidants, mainly present in fruits and vegetables, has prompted research in the field of commercial polyphenol-rich beverages. The main objective of the present work was to produce new polyphenol-rich beverages using lemon and pomegranate juices in different proportions (at 25%, 50% and 75% for both juices). The bioactive composition (flavonoids and vitamin C) of the mixtures as well as its stability, antioxidant capacity and changes in colour over a 70 days storage period were studied. Our results suggest that the new drink made of 75% of pomegranate juice (PJ) and 25% of lemon juice (v:v), has potential for development of new healthy beverages or food products, emphasised by its high antioxidant capacity determined by its phenolic composition – punicalagin isomers, anthocyanins and vitamin C – and improved colour properties.     

Study on the development of pomegranate juice processing technology: clarification of pomegranate juice

The effects of clarification agents and methods on pomegranate juice quality were studied. Fruits were pressed as whole, and extracted juice was clarified with gelatin, polyvinylypolypyrrolidone (PVPP) and natural sedimentation. In order to determine the effects of these clarifying techniques on product quality, pH, total phenolic substances (TPS), anthocyanin, turbidity, and total colour density tests were applied to each sample. In clarification, the main purpose was to reduce the amount of phenolic substances. Phenolic substances were controlled in each clarification method. The most effective method was the application of 1 g/L gelatine for clarification. Sensory evaluation also applied for clarified juices and gelatin application was selected by panelists to be superior.     

Survival of human norovirus surrogates in milk, orange, and pomegranate juice, and juice blends at refrigeration (4 °C)

Fresh fruits, juices, and beverages have been implicated in human noroviral and hepatitis A virus outbreaks. The purpose of this study was to determine the survival of human norovirus surrogates (murine norovirus, MNV-1; feline calicivirus, FCV-F9; and bacteriophage MS2) in juices (orange and pomegranate juices), juice blends (pomegranate and orange juice) and milk over 0, 1, 2, 7, 14, and 21 days at refrigeration (4 °C). Juices, juice blends, and milk were inoculated with each virus over 21 days, serially diluted in cell culture media, and plaque assayed. MNV-1 showed no reduction in titer after 21 days in orange juice and milk, but moderate reduction (1.4 log) in pomegranate juice from a titer of 5 log(10) PFU/ml. However, MNV-1 was completely reduced after 7 days in the orange and pomegranate juice blend. FCV-F9 from a titer of 6 log(10) PFU/ml was completely reduced after 14 days in orange as well as pomegranate juice and by ～ 3 logs after 21 days in milk at 4 °C. Interestingly, FCV-F9 was completely reduced after 1 day in the orange and pomegranate juice blend at 4 °C. MS2 was reduced by ～ 1.28 log after 21 days in orange juice from a titer of 6 log(10) PFU/ml, and <1 log after 21 days in milk or pomegranate juice, with juice blends showing minimal reduction (<1 log) after 21 days at 4 °C. These results show the survival pattern of noroviruses that aid in the transmission of foodborne viral outbreaks. The data obtained can be used in quantitative viral risk assessment studies and to develop improved measures to prevent virus survival towards controlling outbreaks.