Ultrasound-assisted homogenization and gum Arabic combined to physicochemical quality of cupuacu juice

The influence of ultrasound (US)-assisted homogenization and gum Arabic (GA) on the colloidal stability of cupuacu juice has been studied. The experimental design was a complete factorial with two levels for US (750 and 1,000 J/cm(3)) and GA (0.5 and 1% w/w). The increase in energy density and GA concentration increased the viscosity of the juice, reducing its sedimentation. Increased energy density occurs to increased bioavailability of vitamin C in cupuacu juice serum. The two levels of energy density of US were effective in the denaturation of the polyphenol oxidase and peroxidase enzymes. The use of US and GA may be a good alternative for the food industry to maintain the physicochemical properties of cupuacu juice during storage. Practical applications Cupuacu is a fruit with great economic importance for the region of the Amazon Rainforest. Due to their physical characteristics, the juices present a rapid phase separation and it can compromise their processing and sensorial acceptance. The use of the ultrasonic homogenization process and the addition of natural hydrocolloids (GA) can improve the physical juice quality because the US reduces the particles size and the hydrocolloid increases the viscosity of the serum, reducing the separation of the phases of the juice. Also, the study is interesting due to the use of nonthermal technologies and natural additives, maintaining the nutritional juices quality.