Quality assurance in pepper and orange juice blend treated by high pressure processing and high temperature short time

The impact of mixing ratio of pepper juice/orange juice (v/v) at 1:5, 1:2, 1:1, 1:0.5 and 1:0.2 on sensory attributes of pepper and orange juice blend (POJB) was studied, and the ratio of 1:0.5 achieved the highest ratings in mouthfeel and overall acceptability and was chosen for the following study. Effects of high pressure processing (HPP, 550 MPa, 5 min, ambient temperature) and high temperature short time (HTST, 110 °C, 8.6 s) on quality attributes of the POJBs were compared. Reduction of total aerobic bacteria (TAB) and molds and yeasts (M&Y) in the POJBs was > 4 log cycles after HPP and HTST, and the two POJBs were microbiologically safe during the whole refrigerated storage. The color, flavor, appearance, mouthfeel and overall acceptability of HPP-treated POJB were closer to untreated POJB than the HTST-treated one. After 25 days, 77.3% and 75.3% of total phenols content, 90.8% and 90.7% of ascorbic acid, and more than 80% of antioxidant capacity in two POJBs were retained, respectively. Particle size distribution (PSD) of HPP-treated POJB was consistent with untreated POJB (1 ~ 76 μm, 3 peaks at 4.2, 17, 52 μm), while HTST changed the PSD (1 to 33 μm, 2 peaks at 2.4 and 17 μm). Higher level of sedimentation in HPP-treated POJB during storage was interpreted by higher residual PME activity (67.0%) and larger and more unstable pulp particles. The POJBs behaved as Newtonian fluids, their viscosity right after processing were ranked as HPP > untreated > HTST, and the values were slightly reduced during storage.Industrial RelevanceThis study was intended to develop yellow sweet pepper and orange juice blend (POJB), which are not available on the market. Further this study was also intended to explore the application of high pressure processing (HPP) and high temperature short time (HTST) on quality assurance of the POJB. This study would provide technical support for commercialization of juice blend products treated by high pressure.     

Fermented minced pepper by high pressure processing,high pressure processing with mild temperature and thermal pasteurization

High pressure processing (HPP) and thermal pasteurization (TP) of fermented minced pepper (FMP) were comparatively evaluated by examining their impacts on microbial load, titratable acid (TA), pH, a_w, firmness, color, capsanthin, ascorbic acid (AA), and biogenic amines (BAs) after processing and during 12 weeks of storage at 25 and 37 °C. The total plate count (TPC) in FMP samples was reduced by 1.48, 0.12 and 1.58 log₁₀ CFU/g after TP (83 °C/15 min), HPP1 (500 MPa/20 °C/5 min) and HPP2 (500 MPa/50 °C/5 min), respectively. The population of spores was reduced by 1.21 log₁₀ CFU/g only after HPP2. During storage at 25 or 37 °C, the TPC in TP, HPP1, and HPP2 samples increased by 0.88/1.21, 0.41/0.62 and 0.60/0.86 log₁₀ CFU/g, respectively, while the spores decreased below the detection limit. The retention of firmness after TP, HPP1 and HPP2 was 36.91, 91.15 and 66.48% respectively, and HPP-treated samples exhibited more retention during the storage. Color of FMP samples was not changed by TP, but slightly changed by HPP1 and HPP2. The content of capsanthin retained 78.99, 93.71 and 88.19% after TP, HPP1 and HPP2, it showed a small decrease during storage. Levels of biogenic amines (BAs) in HPP2 samples were lower than that of TP and HPP1 ones. There were better sensory quality and lower microbial level in HPP-treated samples during storage, indicating that HPP is a better choice for the preservation of FMP.Industrial relevanceConsumption of fermented minced pepper (FMP), as a traditional Chinese food, is becoming increasingly popular. Considering that heat treatment may destroy some heat-sensitive quality of the products, this study evaluated the effects of high pressure processing (HPP) on quality of FMP. Findings of this study could help processors commercialize HPP to replace current thermal processing in industrial production.     

Application of high pressure processing to reduce verotoxigenic E. coli in two types of dry-fermented sausage

The effect of high pressure processing (HPP) on the survival of verotoxigenic Escherichia coli (VTEC) in two types of Norwegian type dry-fermented sausages was studied. Two different types of recipes for each sausage type were produced. The sausage batter was inoculated with 6.8 log₁₀ CFU/g of VTEC O103:H25. After fermentation, drying and maturation, slices of finished sausages were vacuum packed and subjected to two treatment regimes of HPP. One group was treated at 600 MPa for 10 min and another at three cycles of 600 MPa for 200 s per cycle. A generalized linear model split by recipe type showed that these two HPP treatments on standard recipe sausages reduced E. coli by 2.9 log₁₀ CFU/g and 3.3 log₁₀ CFU/g, respectively. In the recipe with higher levels of dextrose, sodium chloride and sodium nitrite E. coli reduction was 2.7 log₁₀ CFU/g in both treatments. The data show that HPP has a potential to make the sausages safer and also that the effect depends somewhat on recipe.     

Effects of high hydrostatic pressure and high-temperature short-time on mango nectars: Changes in microorganisms,acid invertase, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural,sugars, viscosity,and cloud

High hydrostatic pressure (HHP, 600 MPa/1 min) and high-temperature short-time (HTST, 110 °C/8.6 s) treatments of mango nectars were comparatively evaluated by examining their effects on natural microorganisms, acid invertase, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), sugars, pH, titratable acid (TA), viscosity, and cloud, immediately after treatments and during 16-week storage at 4 and 25 °C. At both stages of the experiment, the counts of yeast and mold in treated mango nectars were less than 1.00 log₁₀CFU/mL, while total aerobic bacteria were less than 1.70 log₁₀CFU/mL. Both HHP and HTST treatments caused a significant decrease in fructose, glucose and total sugar, as well as a significant increase in HMF and cloud of mango nectars, while changes in sucrose, pH, and TA were insignificant. During the 16-week storage, however, fructose, glucose, TA and HMF increased, while sucrose, total sugar, pH and cloud decreased significantly. The kinetic data of changes in sucrose, fructose and glucose fitted well into a combined model. The activity of acid invertase was reduced by 91.4% in HTST-treated mango nectars and, increased by 8.57% after HHP treatment. In both cases, these levels remained stable during storage. There was no significant change in the viscosity of mango nectars after HHP treatment, while a significant increase after HTST treatment. Both HHP- and HTST-treated mango nectars showed a gradual decrease in the viscosity during storage.Industrial relevanceMango (Mangifera indica L.) is one of the important tropical fruits, and its processed products are of high commercial and economic importance. This work presents a comparison on HHP- and HTST-treated mango nectars after processing and during storage, on natural microorganisms, acid invertase, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural, sugars, pH, titratable acid, viscosity, and cloud. The available data would provide technical support for the evaluation and application of HHP or HTST in the mango nectar industry, and also for the establishment of criteria for commercial production of high quality mango nectars with safety requirements.     

Apple,grape or orange juice: Which one offers the best substrate for lactobacilli growth? — A screening study on bacteria viability,superoxide dismutase activity,folates production and hedonic characteristics

Fermentation can contribute to improve functional aspects of foods. The first goal of this study was to determine amongst apple, grape and orange juices, the one with the best bacterial growth performance during fermentation by Lactobacillus strains from commercial and artisanal food origins, at 40 °C for 48 h. The juice with the highest bacterial growth was evaluated for bacteria viability during 4 weeks of cold storage, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and folates production analyzed through HPLC/fluorimetry. Acceptability of fermented juice was appraised through hedonic analysis. Lactobacilli counts were the highest in apple and the lowest in orange juices at t = 48 h. In most cases, bacteria counts were higher in fermented (5.5 to 9.5 log CFU/ml) than in supplemented apple juices (4.2 to 5.7 log CFU/ml), at the 4th week of cold storage. SOD activity was significantly increased in all apple juices fermented by commercial Lactobacilli strains. Folates were produced in apple juices fermented by Lactobacillus plantarum and Lactobacillus rhamnosus. Apple juice was the best substrate for Lactobacillus growth and, considering bacterial viability and overall acceptance by the panelists, Lactobacillus acidophilus L10 was the most suitable strain for apple juice fermentation.     

超高压和高温短时杀菌对NFC橙汁品质的影响

本文对比了超高压（Ultral high pressure processing,HPP,600 MPa,1 min）和高温短时（High temperature short time,HTST,110℃,8.6 s）杀菌处理对非浓缩还原（Not from concentrate,NFC）橙汁处理前后及4℃、25 d贮藏期内微生物、基本理化指标以及颜色、稳定性、生物活性成分、抗氧化活性等品质的影响,并在贮藏期末对杀菌橙汁进行了感官评价。结果表明,HPP和HTST处理后NFC橙汁菌落总数、霉菌和酵母菌、乳酸菌、嗜冷菌均降低至检测限以下（<10 CFU/mL）,储藏25 d后HPP处理橙汁微生物仍未检出,符合国家果蔬汁饮料行业标准《NY/T 434-2016》,而HTST处理橙汁在贮藏期末菌落总数和霉菌酵母数量开始增加。HPP处理对橙汁色泽的L^*、b^*值无显著影响（P>0.05）,使a^*值显著增大（P<0.05）,总色差ΔE低于HTST处理。HPP处理对橙汁悬浮稳定性的保持和果胶甲基酯酶（Pectin methylesterase,PME）的钝化效果较差,处理后HPP组和HTST组PME残留活性分别为92.31%和14.42%,贮藏末期分别为30.77%和0.03%,贮藏期间HPP组悬浮稳定性下降了95.45%。HPP处理显著提高了NFC橙汁的总酚含量13.50%（P<0.05）,对维生素C含量、DPPH自由基清除能力、FRAP铁离子还原能力、综合感官评价无显著影响（P>0.05）,显著高于HTST处理橙汁（P<0.05）。综上所述,HPP处理有助于保持橙汁的营养和感官品质,保留新鲜风味,比HTST处理更具优势,但对PME酶的钝化效果有待提高。     

High pressure processing of cocoyam,Peruvian carrot and sweet potato: Effect on oxidative enzymes and impact in the tuber color

High pressure processing (HPP) is a non-thermal technology used to activate or inactivate enzymes. This study investigated the effects of HPP (600 MPa for 5 or 30 min at 25 °C) on cocoyam, Peruvian carrot and sweet potato color, and the polyphenoloxidase (PPO) and peroxidase (POD) activities in tuber cubes, puree, and enzyme extract subjected to HPP. The results showed enzyme inactivation by HPP in cocoyam (up to 55% PPO inactivation in puree and 81% POD inactivation in extract) and Peruvian carrot (up to 100% PPO and 57% POD inactivation the extract). In contrast, enzyme activation was observed in sweet potato (up to 368% PPO and 27% POD activation in puree). The color results were compatible to enzyme activity: the color parameters remained unchanged in cocoyam and Peruvian carrot, which showed high PPO and POD inactivation after HPP. Furthermore, the impact of HPP on the enzymes was influenced by the matrix in which HPP was carried out, evidencing that the enzyme structure can be protected in the presence of other food constituents.Industrial relevanceThe enzymes PPO and POD are an important concern for vegetable processing, due its ability to induce browning after vegetables are cut. The HPP at 600 MPa for 5 or 30 min can be used to inactivate these enzymes in cocoyam and Peruvian carrot, guaranteeing the color and freshness of the tubers similar to the fresh cut vegetable.     

Comparison of High Hydrostatic Pressure,High-PressureCarbon Dioxide and High-Temperature Short-Time Processing on Quality of Mulberry Juice

Changes of microbial, physicochemical and sensory properties of mulberry juice processed by high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) (500 MPa/5 min), high-pressure carbon dioxide (HPCD) (15 MPa/55 °C/10 min), and high-temperature short time (HTST) (110 °C/8.6 s) during 28 days of storage at 4 °C and 25 °C were investigated. Total aerobic bacteria (TAB) and yeast and mold (Y&M) were not detected in HHP-treated and HTST-treated mulberry juices for 28 days at 4 °C and 25 °C, but were detected more than 2 log₁₀ CFU/ml in HPCD-treated mulberry juice for 21 days at 4 °C and 14 days at 25 °C, respectively. Total anthocyanins were retained after HHP and reduced by 4 % after HTST while increased by 11 % after HPCD. Total phenols were retained by HHP, while increased by 4 % after HTST and 16 % after HPCD. The antioxidant capacity was retained by HTST and HHP and increased by HPCD. Both total phenols and antioxidant capacity were decreased during the initial 14 days but then increased up to 28 days regardless of storage temperature. The value of polymeric color and browning index decreased and a* increased in HHP-treated and HPCD-treated mulberry juices, while HTST-treated mulberry juice had a reverse result. The viscosity of mulberry juice increased in HHP-treated and HPCD-treated juices, while decreased in HTST-treated juice. During storage, total anthocyanins, total phenols, and antioxidant capacity and color in all mulberry juices decreased more largely at 25 °C than that at 4 °C. Better quality was observed in HHP- and HPCD-treated mulberry juices, and a longer shelf life was observed in HHP-treated samples compared to HPCD-treated ones.     

Effect of high pressure carbon dioxide on the quality of carrot juice

The effect of high pressure carbon dioxide (HPCD) on the quality of carrot juice was investigated. The L-value of HPCD-treated juices increased significantly (P < 0.05) as compared to untreated juices, and the a-value exhibited an increase tendency with increasing the treatment time. However, the b-value of HPCD-treated juices did not change. The browning degree (BD) and pH of HPCD-treated juices decreased, the cloud and titratable acidity (TA) increased significantly, the UV–visible spectra of juices were lower, but the total soluble solid (TSS) and the carotenoids of juices were stable. The particle size of juices treated by HPCD for 15, 30 and 45 min increased significantly (P < 0.05), for 60 min showed a noticeable decrease and was almost close to untreated juice. HPCD treatment could not alter the Newtonian flow behavior of the carrot juice, but caused a significant increase in juice viscosity (P < 0.05).Industrial relevanceCarrot juice is one of the most popular vegetable juices, but it requires severe heat treatment for protection from spoilage due to a higher pH, its heat-sensitive quality is inevitably destructed. In this study, HPCD can avoid the drawbacks of the heat treatment as a novel non-thermal pasteurization, available data are provided for the application and evaluation of HPCD in the juice industry.     

Effects of high hydrostatic pressure and high temperature short time on antioxidant activity,antioxidant compounds and color of mango nectars

High hydrostatic pressure (HHP, 600 MPa/1 min) and high temperature short time (HTST, 110 °C/8.6 s) treatments of mango nectars were comparatively evaluated by examining their effects on antioxidant activity, antioxidant compounds, color, and browning degree (BD) immediately after treatments and during storage of 16 weeks at 4 and 25 °C. Steam blanching was used prior to HHP and HTST to inactive endogenous enzymes. Results showed that antioxidant capacity (FRAP assay), L-ascorbic acid, sodium erythorbate, total phenols, total carotenoids, the redness (a*), the yellowness (b*), and BD changed insignificant after HHP or HTST treatment. The lightness (L*) exhibited a significant decrease in HTST-treated mango nectars, while no significant changes in HHP-treated samples. After 16 weeks storage at 4 and 25 °C, there were significant changes in antioxidant activity, antioxidant compounds, color, and BD of mango nectars, whereas differences between HHP- and HTST-treated samples were not significant except for the decrease in L-ascorbic acid and sodium erythorbate, which was more pronounced in HHP-treated samples. Kinetic data of changes in L-ascorbic acid, sodium erythorbate, total phenols, and total carotenoids during storage fitted well into a combined model for both HHP- and HTST-treated samples.Industrial relevanceMango (Mangifera indica L.) is one of the important tropical fruits, and its processed products are of high commercial and economic importance. This research paper presents a comparison on HHP- and HTST-treated mango nectars, and also provides information about storage stability of antioxidant activity, antioxidant compounds, and color of mango nectars. The available data would provide technical support for the evaluation and application of HHP or HTST in the mango nectar industry, and also for the establishment of criteria for commercial production of high quality mango nectars with safety requirements.     

Antioxidant capacity,phenolic composition and microbial stability of aronia juice subjected to high hydrostatic pressure processing

The aim of this study was to characterize the effect of high hydrostatic pressure (200–600 MPa/15 min) and storage (4 °C/80 days) on aronia juice quality. The total antioxidant capacity, phenolic content and composition were assessed using an updated analytical strategy. Microbial growth was also analyzed following juice storage. Among all the analyzed juices, the untreated aronia juice had the greatest reduction (36%) in total polyphenols over the entire storage period. At the end of the storage period, the pressurized juices demonstrated ABTS and FRAP values higher by 14% and 5% as compared to the untreated juices. The main antioxidants identified in the aronia juice were: chlorogenic acid; neochlorogenic acid; cyanidin 3-galactoside; cyanidin 3-xyloside; cyanidin 3-arabinoside; cyanidin 3-glucoside. Cyanidin 3-glucoside was the most stable compound during juice storage. Microorganism growth in juices pressurized at 400–600 MPa was below the detection limit (< 1 CFU mL^− 1) upon storage.Industrial relevanceAronia berries are rarely consumed fresh since they give off several negative sensory attributes. Multiple health-promoting properties of aronia berries make them a valuable raw material for juice production. However, processing involves pasteurization or hot-filling strongly diminishes the product quality due to the changes in quantity and quality of thermolabile phytochemicals. The objective of this work was to characterize the effect of high hydrostatic pressure on the antioxidant capacity, polyphenol content and composition and microbial stability of aronia juice. Results of this study may be useful for the juice industry commercialize this technology for the development healthy, nonclarified aronia juices with desired level of quality.     

Alterations of phenolic compounds in red raspberry juice induced by high-hydrostatic-pressure and high-temperature short-time processing

Most studies on health-promoting attributes of red raspberries have been conducted using extracts or freeze-dried powders instead of commercially processed products. This work aimed to trace the alterations of phenolic compounds in HHP- and HTST-treated juices. In total, 151 phenolic compounds were identified: 13 and 26 differential phenolics were discriminated in HHP- and HTST-treated juices, respectively. The alterations of phenolic compounds could be related to the increased oxidative stress derived from the indirect oxidation and thermal degradation. HTST processing promoted the release of free phenolic acids from their conjugated forms, while HHP processing could maximize the flavonol glycosides. Furthermore, morin was observed with a 7400-fold increase in HTST-treated juice, indicating the potential use for juice authenticity. Generally, HHP processing showed less impact on phenolic profiles in comparison with HTST processing. These findings provide novel insights into the impacts of sterilization processes on phenolic compounds in red raspberries.     

Physicochemical and nutritional characteristics of blueberry juice after high pressure processing

This study was carried out to investigate the impact of high pressure processing (HPP) at different pressure (200, 400 and 600 MPa) and treatment times (5, 9 and 15 min) on ascorbic acid, total phenolics, anthocyanin stability and total antioxidant capacity, were also studied at different physicochemical parameters such as pH, °Brix and color. HPP treatments resulted in more than 92% vitamin C retention at all treatment intensities. On the other hand, total phenolic content in the juice was increased, mainly after HPP at 200 MPa for all treatment times. The total and monomeric anthocyanin were similar or higher than the value estimated for the fresh juice being maximum at 400 MPa/15 min (16% increase). Antioxidant capacity values were not statistically different for treatments at 200 MPa for 5–15 min in comparison with fresh juice, however for 400 MPa/15 min and 600 MPa for all times (8–16% reduction), the lowest values were observed for total antioxidant capacity determined with TEAC method. No significant changes were observed in pH and °Brix. Color changes (a*, b*, L* and ΔE) were not visually noticeable for pressurized beverage for all pressures and times.     

超高压与高温短时杀菌对甘蔗汁品质的影响比较

研究了超高压(HHP,500 MPa/4 min)和高温短时(HTST,95℃/15 s)对甘蔗浊汁和清汁p H、可滴定酸(TA)、可溶性固形物(TSS)、总酚、色泽、褐变度、澄清度、浊度和微生物指标的影响,并分析了4℃,贮藏15 d内甘蔗汁品质的变化。结果表明:HTST和HHP处理对甘蔗汁均具有较好的杀菌效果,HHP和HTST甘蔗清汁p H显著降低,HTST甘蔗清汁可滴定酸(TA)含量升高,HHP和HTST对甘蔗清汁和浊汁的可溶性固形物(TSS)和总酚含量无影响,与HTST相比HHP对甘蔗汁颜色的影响较小,HHP处理后甘蔗清汁澄清度升高,甘蔗浊汁浊度下降,HHP甘蔗汁感官性能优于HTST甘蔗汁。经在4℃贮藏15 d,甘蔗浊汁的菌落总数显著升高,但浊汁和清汁的霉菌和酵母菌数基本保持稳定,贮藏期间甘蔗清汁和HTST甘蔗浊汁p H降低,总酚含量均有明显升高,甘蔗清汁的澄清度和甘蔗浊汁的浊度有所降低,HHP甘蔗清汁的b*值和褐变度增加,HTST甘蔗汁颜色稳定。结论:超高压杀菌有利于保持甘蔗汁品质,是适合甘蔗汁的加工技术。      

High pressure processing (HPP) of honey for the improvement of nutritional value

The present study was undertaken to assess the effect of high pressure processing (HPP) on total phenolic content (TPC) in manuka honey. Manuka honey is known for its amazing antimicrobial action and antioxidant properties. The effect of HPP (200, 400 and 600 MPa) at ambient and moderate temperatures (53.41 ± 0.30 °C, 65.29 ± 1.77 °C, 71.92 ± 1.63 °C) and their combination for different processing time (5, 10 and 15 min) was investigated. Conventional thermal processing (51.74 ± 0.03 °C, 61.90 ± 0.10 °C and 71.58 ± 0.04 °C) was also carried out as comparison to HPP. Operating HPP at 600 MPa (26.80 ± 0.95 °C–30.18 ± 2.14 °C) for 10 min was found to be the most effective process with 47.16% increment in TPC as compared to unprocessed honey, whereas no significant increase (p < 0.05) was observed in thermal processing as well as in combined HPP–thermal processing. Therefore, HPP at ambient temperatures could be an appropriate method to produce tastier and more nutritive manuka honey.Industrial relevanceThe preservation of total phenolic content (TPC) as a main phytochemical component in honey is very important with direct impact on nutritional value and antioxidant activity. A significant increase in the TPC was obtained by processing. Results demonstrated the HPP capability to increase TPC in manuka honey by 47%. From a nutritional perspective, this result is associated with the production of a higher antioxidant honey, known to prevent certain diseases such as cancer. The study generates a new approach in honey processing which can guarantee the high nutritional quality of honey and its original natural freshness.     

Inactivation of polyphenol oxidase in muscadine grape juice by dense phase-CO2 processing

The effect of dense phase-CO₂ processing (DP-CO₂) on polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity, polyphenolic and antioxidant changes in muscadine grape juice under different processing pressures (27.6, 38.3, and 48.3 MPa) and CO₂ concentrations (0, 7.5, and 15%) were measured. Subsequently two DP-CO₂ conditions (48.3 MPa at 0 or 15% CO₂) were evaluated for polyphenolic and antioxidant changes during storage (4 °C, four weeks). Pressure alone was responsible for a 40% decrease in PPO activity that resulted in 16–40% polyphenolic and antioxidant losses. Increasing CO₂ from 0 to 7.5% was responsible for an additional 35% decrease in enzyme activity and a two-fold greater polyphenolic retention. However, insignificant changes in PPO activity or polyphenolic retention were observed when CO₂ was increased to 15%. During storage, juices with residual PPO activity following processing resulted in greater polyphenolic (8- to 10-fold) and antioxidant capacity (four-fold) degradation compared to control juices with no PPO activity. This study demonstrated that partial PPO inactivation can be obtained by DP-CO₂ and that CO₂ level was the primary variable influencing PPO activity and polyphenolics and antioxidant capacity retention in muscadine grape juice.     

Influence of high-intensity pulsed electric field processing parameters on antioxidant compounds of broccoli juice

The effect of high-intensity pulsed electric field (HIPEF) processing parameters (electric field strength, treatment time, and polarity) on broccoli juice carotenoids, vitamin C, total phenolic (TP) content and antioxidant capacity (AC) was evaluated. Results obtained from HIPEF-processed broccoli juice were compared with those of thermally treated (90 °C/60 s) and untreated juices. HIPEF processing parameters influenced the relative content (RC) of bioactive compounds, and the relative AC (RAC). Maximum RC of lutein (121.2%), β-carotene (130.5%), TP (96.1%), vitamin C (90.1%) and RAC (5.9%) was reached between 25 and 35 kV/cm and from 2000 μs to 500 μs. The highest RAC and RC of bioactive compounds were observed in HIPEF treatments applied in bipolar mode, except for vitamin C. HIPEF-treated broccoli juice exhibited greater RC of bioactive compounds and RAC than juice treated by heat. HIPEF technology could be considered a promising option for preserving the antioxidant quality of broccoli juice.Industrial relevanceVegetable juices are becoming more and more popular because of their wide range of health-related compounds. Particularly, broccoli juice is attracting the food industry attention because it contains high amounts of vitamins, carotenoids and phenolic compounds, among other bioactive compounds. Broccoli juice requires treatment conditions that protect its microbial, nutritional and sensorial quality. HIPEF is a non-thermal technology for liquid food preservation that inactivates microorganisms and enzymes without compromising the nutritional and sensorial features of foods. Consequently, this technology could be used in the food industry as an alternative for thermal treatment to preserve the bioactive compounds present in vegetable juices, offering to consumers a healthy product.     

Color and viscosity of watermelon juice treated by high-intensity pulsed electric fields or heat

The effects of high-intensity pulsed electric field (HIPEF) processing (35 kV/cm for 1727 μs applying 4-μs pulses at 188 Hz in bipolar mode) on color, viscosity and related enzymes in watermelon juice were evaluated during 56 days of storage and compared to thermal treatments (90 °C for 60 s or 30 s). HIPEF-treated juice maintained brighter red color than thermally treated juices along the storage time. In addition, the application of HIPEF as well as heat at 90 °C for 60 s led to juices with higher viscosity than those untreated for 56 days of storage. On the other hand, peroxidase (POD) was inactivated more efficiently after HIPEF processing than after applying heat treatments. However, the thermally processed juice at 90 °C for 60 s kept the lowest residual POD activity values beyond day 7 of storage. Differences in lipoxygenase (LOX) activity among treatments were not appreciated at day 0. However, storage time had a strong reducing influence on the enzyme activity of heat-treated samples. A substantial loss of pectin methylesterase (PME) activity (more than 50%) was observed in all the treated juices, whereas a slight reduction in polygalacturonase (PG) activity was only achieved after the HIPEF treatment. The use of HIPEF technology could be an alternative to thermal treatments and could contribute to better maintain valuable attributes of watermelon juice.Industrial RelevanceHIPEF processing is a feasible alternative to thermal treatments to obtain watermelon juice, achieving optimal inactivation of deleterious microorganisms and quality-related enzymes. HIPEF-treated watermelon juices exhibit better physical properties such as color or viscosity than thermally treated juices throughout storage. Thus, HIPEF technology can help processors to obtain juices that keep their fresh characteristics, thus being better accepted by consumers.     

Effect of high pressure processing on physicochemical and microbiological properties of marinated beef with reduced sodium content

High pressure processing (HPP) is one of the newer technologies that has shown great potential for manufacturing meat products with reduced sodium content. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of HPP applied at different levels in the inactivation of Listeria innocua and Enterococcus faecium inoculated in marinated beef (Longissimus lumborum) with reduced sodium content, as well as its influence on the physicochemical properties of the meat. Samples were inoculated with 10⁶ CFU/g of L. innocua and E. faecium, and marinated with solutions in different concentrations of NaCl (1 or 2%) and citric acid (1 or 2%) for 18 h and treated with high pressure (300, 450 or 600 MPa). Samples treated with 600 MPa were also evaluated regarding physicochemical stability after 14 days of refrigerated storage. Different marinating solutions were not sufficient to reduce initial microbial loads in the non-pressurized samples, but the combination with high pressure caused six log cycle reductions of both microorganisms. The treatment with 2% salt/2% citric acid was the most effective for each pressure considered for both bacteria. No significant changes were observed in the water activity of the samples, however samples with higher concentration of citric acid showed lower (p < 0.05) pH and lower (p < 0.05) lipid oxidation after 14 days of storage under refrigeration. Only samples treated with 600 MPa showed an increase (p < 0.05) in hardness. The results showed that HPP was able to process a safe meat product with reduced sodium concentration.Industrial relevanceThe result from this study shows the benefits of using HPP as an alternative meat processing technology to develop a meat product with reduce sodium content. Meat processed by this method have better nutritional quality and extended shelf life as compared to conventional processing. The step taken in this study will aid the meat processing industry for the development of microbiologically safe meat product with low sodium content by the application of high pressure processing.     

Colour and texture of apples high pressure processed in pineapple juice

Cubes of Granny Smith and Pink Lady apples were vacuum packed in barrier bags with 0% to 50% (v/v) pineapple juice (PJ) at 20°Bx and subjected to high pressure processing (HPP) at 600 MPa for 1–5 min (22 °C). The in-pack total colour change (ΔE) was observed over 4 weeks at 4 °C. Within <1 week of storage at 4 °C, texture, polyphenoloxidase, pectinmethylesterase activities, changes in ΔE and visual browning after opening the bags during air exposure (22 °C; 21% O2 ) for 5 h were also monitored. During the 4 weeks storage in bag visible colour changes were not observed. Texture and ΔE after 5 h air exposure were significantly affected by the apple variety, HPP time and % PJ used. The combined treatment significantly reduced residual PPO activity while PME activity was not affected in both varieties. Pineapple juice in combination with HPP could be used as a natural preservation system for minimally processed apples.Industrial relevanceBrowning upon opening the packs and during air exposure can adversely affect the quality of fresh-cut fruits. Combined treatment of high pressure processing (HPP) and use of pineapple juice has the potential to prevent browning for several hours giving sufficient time for presentation and use in domestic and foodservice environment where high quality fresh-like fruit is required.