Microbial, nutritional, and organoleptic quality of pomegranate juice following high-pressure homogenization and low-temperature pasteurization

This study investigated the effects of high-pressure homogenization (HPH) on microbial, nutritional, and organoleptic qualities of pomegranate juice. Juices subjected to HPH at 100 and 150 MPa were compared to those subjected to thermal pasteurization at 55, 65, and 75 degrees C for 15 s, and to combined treatments. Physicochemical properties of pomegranate juices, such as color, pH, acidity, and total soluble solids, were marginally affected by either treatment. Significant microbial inactivation for the juices inoculated with Escherichia coli and yeast was achieved during 28 days of shelf life by HPH at 150 MPa, followed by thermal treatment at 65 degrees C. There was no significant difference in ascorbic acid levels between the treated and fresh juice. Total polyphenol content and antioxidant activity were measured to be higher in case of both treatment methods. Analyzing treated HPH samples with electronic tongue and nose showed similar flavor profiles to the fresh juice. Practical Application The work shows the benefits of using the advanced high-pressure homogenization (HPH) compared to common thermal treatment used today in fruit juice pasteurization. HPH is capable to provide sufficient reduction in microbial with better nutritional and organoleptic quality. In this manuscript, we showed the potential of HPH as alternative method for pasteurization on a highly healthy fruit like pomegranate. The work describes the advantages in HPH process through comprehensive analysis for nutritional, microbial, and sensorial quality.