Consumer Evaluation of Processing Variants of Pomegranate Juice

Chemical Composition, Antioxidant Activity, and Sensory Characterization of Commercial Pomegranate Juices

We undertook a qualitative and quantitative assessment of the bioactive compounds, volatile substances, sensory profile, and antioxidant activity of eight different commercial pomegranate juices (PJs) differing by cultivation area, processing (from concentrate (CPJ) or not (NCPJ)), and microbial stabilization. Punicalins were the main ellagitannins, whereas the predominant anthocyanin was cyanidin 3,5-diglucoside, followed by cyanidin 3-glucoside. Total phenols, tannins, hydrolyzable tannins, and anthocyanins in the investigated juices ranged from 1379.9 to 3748.8 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/L, 394.8 to 895.2 mg GAE/L, 150.8 to 2374.2 mg ellagic acid/L, and 0 to 281 mg cyanidin 3-glucoside/L, respectively. Antioxidant activity, determined by DPPH^•, FRAP, and ABTS, was positively correlated with the total phenolic compounds and hydrolyzable tannins. Alcohols, acids, and furans were the volatile groups that best described the differences between juices. The most abundant volatile compound was 3-Furfural (8.6–879.9 µg/L) in those juices subjected to the concentration process and to high-temperature short-time (HTST) treatment, whereas it was not present in juice subjected to high-pressure processing (HPP). Processing also affected the juices’ sensory attributes: NCPJs were characterized by ‘red–purple’, ‘pomegranate fruit’, ‘fresh fruit’, and ‘overall intensity’ notes, while in CPJs these notes were not revealed or were masked by those related to heat treatment. Our results provide useful information on the importance of extraction methods and on the overall quality of PJ for the food industry.

Determination of changes in physicochemical and sensory characteristics of purple passion fruit with the application of different packaging systems, including an ethylene scavenger additive

To achieve a suitable packaging configuration, it is important first to determine the physicochemical characteristics related to the packaged product. In this study, the physicochemical characterization of fresh purple passion fruits of three different ripening stages was carried out to determine key variables for the packaging, such as O₂ consumption and CO₂ -ethylene production rates. Subsequently, intermediate-ripe fruits were packaged for 21 days at 6 °C under three packaging conditions: Xtend^® perforated bags, low-density polyethylene (LDPE) bags, and LDPE bags with a novel ethylene scavenger active additive (ESAA). It was observed that an equilibrium modified atmosphere was formed in the packages. For the Xtend^® bags, the highest values of O₂ (yo₂  = 0.184 to 0.192) and lowest of CO₂ (yco₂  = 0.033 to 0.041) were reached, whereas for the LDPE bags with ESAA these values were moderate. In the case of ethylene, the LDPE bags showed the highest levels in the headspace (26 to 31 ppm), whereas the lowest levels were obtained in the LDPE bags with additive (2 to 4 ppm). These levels resulted in a delay in the ripening of the fruits during storage, which was verified through a sensory acceptability test that was carried out on the juice extracted from the fruits. In this sensory test, panelists identified similar characteristics between the fruits packaged with ESAA and the Xtend^® bags, regarding the control fruits. The LDPE bags with the ethylene scavenger performed satisfactorily and can considerably delay the ripening, which may result in longer shelf life and conservation of fresh purple passion fruits. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: This work presents a novel packaging proposal that reduces oxygen and ethylene levels in contact with purple passion fruits. Our proposed active packaging can be used to increase the fruit shelf life by improving its conservation conditions throughout the chain of storage, transport, and distribution in the market. With this, it will be possible to reduce the fruit's losses due to senescence and to reduce the substrate consumption by using a more effective packaging system.

Effect of Additional Information on Consumer Acceptance: An Example with Pomegranate Juice and Green Tea Blends

Pomegranate Juice (PJ) and Green Tea (GT) products have increased in popularity because of their beneficial health properties. Consumers look for healthier beverages, and rely on labels, claims, and product packaging when choosing a product. The objectives of this study were to determine (1) the sensory profiles and acceptance of PJ and GT blends; (2) whether additional information would have an effect on consumer acceptance; and (3) the total phenolic content (TPC) of the samples. Six PJ and GT blends were evaluated by a descriptive panel in order to explore sensory differences in flavor characteristics. A consumer panel (n = 100) evaluated the samples before and after beneficial health information about the samples was provided to them. The blends that were higher in tea concentration were higher in Green and GT-like flavors, and lower in berry, beet, floral, sweetness, and cherry flavors. The overall liking scores of all of the samples increased after the information was provided to the consumers. The sample highest in PJ and lowest in GT blend was liked the most. In addition, as the samples increased in PJ, the TPC content increased. These results may be of interest to the beverage industry, providing information of consumer liking of beverage blends, and how information on health related claims affects consumer acceptance.