Characterization of Unidentified Potent Flavor Changes during Processing and Storage of Orange and Grapefruit Juices

Citrus juice flavor quality traditionally diminishes after thermal processing and continuously during storage. Our prior studies found that four of the five most potent off-aromas formed during orange juice storage had not been identified. The primary emphasis of this project was to characterize and identify those potent flavor degrading aroma volatiles so that methods to control them could be developed and final flavor quality improved. Our original objectives included: 1 Isolate and characterize the most important unidentified aroma impact compounds formed or lost during pasteurization and storage. 2. Determination of thiamine and carotenoid thermal decomposition and Strecker degradation pathways in model solutions as possible precursors for the unidentified off-flavors. 3. Evaluate the effectiveness of an "electronic nose" to differentiate the headspace aromas of from untreated and heat pasteurized orange and grapefruit juices. 4. Use model systems of citrus juices to investigate the three possible precursor pathways (from 2) for flavor impact compounds formed or lost during pasteurization or storage. RESULTS - The components responsible for citrus storage off flavors and their putative precursors have now been identified. Certain carotenoids (b-carotene) can thermally degrade to produce b-ionone and b-damascenone which are floral and tobacco smelling respectively. Our GC-O and sensory experiments indicated that b-damascenone is a potential storage off-flavor in orange juice. Thiamine (Vitamin B1) degradation produces 2-methyl-3-furan thiol, MFT, and its dimer bis(2- methyl-3-furyl) disulfide which both produce meaty, savory aromas. GC-O and sensory studies indicated that MFT is another storage off-flavor. Methional (potato aroma) is another off flavor produced primarily from the reaction of the native amino acid, methionine, and oxidized ascorbic acid (vitamin C). This is a newly discovered pathway for the production of methional and is more dominant in juices than the classic Maillard reaction. These newly identified off flavors diminish the flavor quality of citrus juices as they distort the flavor balance and introduce non-typical aromas to the juice flavor profile. In addition, we have demonstrated that some of the poor flavor quality citrus juice found in the market place is not only from the production of these and other off flavors but also due to the absence of desirable flavor components including several potent aldehydes and a few esters. The absence of these compounds appears to be due to incomplete flavor volatile restoration after the making of juice concentrates. We are the first to demonstrate that not all flavor volatiles are removed along with water in the production of juice concentrate. In the case of grapefruit juice we have documented which flavor volatiles are completely removed, which are partially removed and which actually increase because of the thermal process. Since more that half of all citrus juices is made into concentrate, this information will allow producers to more accurately restore the original flavor components and produce a juice with a more natural flavor. IMPLICATIONS - We have shown that the aroma of citrus juices is controlled by only 1-2% of the total volatiles. The vast majority of other volatiles have little to no direct aroma activity. The critical volatiles have now been identified. The ability to produce high quality citrus juices requires that manufacturers know which chemical components control aroma and flavor. In addition to identifying the critical flavor components (both positive and negative), we have also identified several precursors. The behavior of these key aroma compounds and their precursors during common manufacturing and storage conditions has been documented so manufacturers in Israel and the US can alter production practices to minimize the negative ones and maximize the positive ones.