Sonication improves kasturi lime ( Citrus microcarpa) juice quality

• Published in: Ultrasonics sonochemistry 2011-11, Vol.18 (6), p.1295-1300
• Main Authors: Bhat, Rajeev, Kamaruddin, Nor Shuaidda Bt Che, Min-Tze, Liong, Karim, A.A.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Antioxidants; Beverages - analysis; Beverages - microbiology; Beverages - standards; Chemistry; Citrus - chemistry; Citrus - microbiology; Color; Exact sciences and technology; Food Handling - methods; General and physical chemistry; Kasturi lime juice; Microorganisms; Physical chemistry of induced reactions (with radiations, particles and ultrasonics); Sonication; Ultrasonic chemistry; Ultrasonics
• ISSN: 1350-4177; 1873-2828
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ultsonch.2011.04.002

► Kasturi-lime is a popular tropical fruit used in food and beverage preparations. ► This is the first report on the effects of sonication on kasturi-lime juice. ► Sonication of juice resulted in the enhancement of bioactive compounds. ► Sonication was effective in reducing the microbial load of the juice. ► Results will be useful for preserving quality and for overcoming safety issues. ► Results obtained will be valuable for implementation of sonication technology on a pilot scale. Freshly squeezed kasturi lime fruit juice was sonicated (for 0, 30 and 60 min at 20 °C, 25 kHz frequency) to evaluate its impact on selected physico-chemical and antioxidant properties, such as pH, °Brix, titratable acidity, Hunter color values ( L ∗ , a ∗ , b ∗ ), ascorbic acid, DPPH radical scavenging activity, total phenolics, antioxidant capacity, flavonoids and flavonols. Additionally, the effect of sonication treatments on the microbial load (TPC, yeast and mold) were also evaluated. Sonication of juice samples for 60 min showed enhancement in most of the bioactive compounds compared to samples treated for 30 min and control samples (untreated). Significant reductions in the microbial load corresponding to sonication time were also recorded. Results of the present study indicate that sonication may be employed as a suitable technique for kasturi lime juice processing, where antioxidant and other bioactive compound retention or enhancement is desired, along with the achievement of safety and quality standards.