Comparison of pretreatment methods on total ascorbic acid, total phenolic content, and color of soursop (Annona muricata L.) Pulp. Steam blanching, hot water blanching, and microwave-assisted blanching

Soursop fruits comprise many bioactive compounds that potentially support human health. The processing method dramatically affects the antioxidant activity found in the soursop fruit. This study aimed to explore the effects of preheating treatment approaches (steam blanching, hot water blanching, and microwave-assisted blanching) on the physiochemical properties of soursop fruit. The changes in colors, total ascorbic acid, and total phenolic content were based on the variations in surveyed parameters including treatment time 2-4-6-8 min, temperature 60-70-80-90 degrees C (blanching hot water), and capacity 150-300-450-600 W (blanched by microwave). About 59.57% of total phenolic content and 64.07% of total ascorbic acid were retained after 8 min of blanching, 17.97% of total phenolic content and 31.42% of total ascorbic acid remained after blanching at 90 degrees C, whereas the microwave-assisted blanching at 300 W was found to retain over 70% of total phenolic content and about 50% of total ascorbic acid. The evaluation results showed the total phenolic content loss was hindered by using microwave-assisted blanching at 150 W for 2 min. The color changes (darken conversion) were significantly affected by the prolonged processing time, increasing the total different color value compared to the control sample. These databases provide insight into the blanching processes, which are considered intermediate stages for many food products. Novelty impact statement The databases included in the study provide an unbiased view of the blanching methods. The suitable method helps inactivate the browning enzyme, retaining the maximum color and nutritional content compared to the original sample. Furthermore, from these process parameters, it is possible to make different related products such as soursop tea, which offers excellent economic potential.

Automated summary

This study investigates the effects of preheating treatment approaches on the physiochemical properties of soursop fruit. It is found that microwave-assisted blanching retains more total phenolic content and total ascorbic acid, making it suitable for the preparation of related products.