Influence of fruit juice processing on anthocyanin stability

Anthocyanins are quality determining compounds in red fruits and their corresponding juices. The fate of anthocyanins during production of juices is determined by countless factors and all of these need to be taken into consideration to optimize juice processes. Storage and pre-press procedures like freezing and thawing may influence the fruit's integrity and accordingly affects the extraction of valuable components during the subsequent mashing and pressing. Conventional thermal or novel non-thermal treatments to ensure microbial safety have both positive and negative effects on the anthocyanins. By inactivation of oxidizing enzymes, profiles and quantities of anthocyanins may be maintained, but more severe conditions may have adverse effects. To improve juice extraction and to increase yield, enzyme-assisted degradation of the cell walls is conducted. The applied enzyme preparations contain numerous side activities which also may degrade anthocyanins. Clarification and concentration will further reduce the final anthocyanin concentrations. Many studies have been published regarding evaluating individual fruits or single processing steps but, obviously, these results are not necessarily transferable. Accordingly, this review aims to summarize all relating studies comprehensively to the fate of anthocyanins during juice processing giving an overview of underlying mechanisms as well as the chemical and analytical background.