POSSIBILITIES OF USING OF HIGH PRESSURE IN FRUIT AND VEGETABLE INDUSTRY

High pressure at a moderate temperature may be used in the fruit and vegetable processing industry to preserve such products as fruit juices, jams, or jellies, because it allows for retaining the natural colour, taste, flavour, and nutritional value of those products. Chlorophyll, carotenoids, and anthocyanins present in fruits and vegetables are stable, to a high degree, when high pressure and moderate temperature are applied. No significant changes in the content of vitamins A, C, B(1), B(2), and E in fruits and vegetables (and in their preserves) occur immediately after the high pressure has been applied. However, the high pressure technique is not suitable for extending the shelf life of whole fruits and vegetables since the tissues of the fruits and vegetables are mechanically damaged under such circumstances. This causes the enzymatic and non-enzymatic processes to accelerate. The result of mechanical damage to fruits and vegetables are undesirable changes in their textures, and, sometimes, in their smell.