Effect of pasteurisation and freezing method on bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity of strawberry pulp

Abstract

This study evaluated the stability of strawberry pulp subjected to three factors, pasteurisation (pasteurised and unpasteurised), freezing method (static air and forced air) and storage time (0, 2, 4 and 6 months). Pasteurisation favoured vitamin C retention during storage but enhanced the total loss of phenolics without affecting anthocyanin levels. Freezing by forced air was more effective in retaining phenolics during the first 4 months of storage, although the freezing method did not affect the anthocyanin levels. Processing and storage reduced the levels of individual phenolics. Freezing by forced air was more effective than static air in retaining antioxidant activity of the pulp. Polyphenol oxidase and peroxidase enzyme levels were relatively stable and independent of pasteurisation, freezing and storage time. Even after 6 months of frozen storage, strawberry pulp is a significant source of nutrients and bioactive compounds and retains high antioxidant capacity independent of pasteurisation and freezing method.

Keywords:

• Fragaria x ananassa
• browning enzymes
• HPLC
• phenolics
• storage
• vitamin C

Acknowledgments

The authors thank the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq), the Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel (CAPES) and the Foundation for Research Support of the State of Minas Gerais (FAPEMIG) for financial support and the Agricultural Cooperative of Rural Producers of Alfredo Vasconcelos, Minas Gerais, Brazil, for donating the fruit.

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of this article.

Additional information

Funding

The authors thank the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq), the Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel (CAPES) and the Foundation for Research Support of the State of Minas Gerais (FAPEMIG) for financial support and the Agricultural Cooperative of Rural Producers of Alfredo Vasconcelos, Minas Gerais, Brazil, for donating the fruit.