Reduction of non-enzymatic browning of orange juice and semi-concentrates by removal of reaction substrate

Reaction pathways and factors influencing nonenzymatic browning in shelf-stable fruit juices during storage

The occurrence of nonenzymaticbrowning in fruit juices during storage is a major quality defect. It negatively affects consumer acceptance and consumption behavior and determines the shelf-life of these products. Although nonenzymatic browning of fruit juices has been the subject of research for a long time, the exact mechanism of the nonenzymatic browning reactions is not yet completely understood. This review paper aims to give an overview of the compounds and reactions playing a key role in nonenzymatic browning during the storage of fruit juices. The chemistry of the plausible reactions and their relative importance will be discussed. To better understand nonenzymatic browning, factors affecting these reactions will be reviewed and several strategies and methods to evaluate color changes and browning will be discussed. Nonenzymatic browning involves three main reactions: ascorbic acid degradation, acid-catalyzed sugar degradation, and Maillard-associated reactions. The most important NEB pathway depends on the matrix. Nonenzymatic browning is affected by many factors, such as the juice composition, the pH, the oxygen availability (packaging material), and the storage conditions. Nonenzymatic browning can thus be considered as a complex problem. To characterize color changes and browning and obtain insight into the browning mechanism of fruit juices, food scientists applied several approaches and strategies. These included the use of model systems with/without the addition of labeled compound and real systems as well as advanced analytical methods.

Optimization of ohmic heating applications for pectin methylesterase inactivation in orange juice

Ohmic heating (OH) which is among to electro-thermal methods and helps to inactivate microorganisms and enzymes was used in this study as thermal treatment on orange juice production for pectin methylesterase (PME) inactivation. Response surface methodology (RSM) was used for optimization of OH conditions. The effects of voltage gradient and temperature (independent variables) were investigated on PME activity (response) of orange juice. After optimization orange juice was produced and compared with untreated control juices and conventional thermally heated juices on the aspect of PME inactivation and some quality characteristics. Reduction of PME activities was found approximately 96 % in OH groups where conventional thermally heated juice has 88.3 % reduction value. Total pectin content was increased 1.72-2 % after OH applications. Ascorbic acid contents of OH samples were found between 43.08-45.20 mg/100 mL where conventional thermally heated juice has 42.9 mg/100 mL. As a result, it was determined that OH can be applied as a thermal treatment on orange juice production in moderate temperatures for PME inactivation and may improve functional properties of orange juice.