Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 12, 2026

Controlled-release of Chlorine Dioxide in a Perforated Packaging System to Extend the Storage Life and Improve the Safety of Grape Tomatoes
Published on: April 7, 2017
Effect on orange juice of batch pasteurization in an improved pilot-scale microwave oven
L Cinquanta1, D Albanese, G Cuccurullo
1Dipt. di Scienze e Tecnologie Agro-Alimentari Ambientali e Microbiologiche, Univ. del Molise, Via F. De Sanctis, Campobasso, Italy. cinquant@unimol.it
Abstract:
The effects on orange juice batch pasteurization in an improved pilot-scale microwave (MW) oven was evaluated by monitoring pectin methyl-esterase (PME) activity, color, carotenoid compounds and vitamin C content. Trials were performed on stirred orange juice heated at different temperatures (60, 70, 75, and 85 degrees C) during batch process. MW pilot plant allowed real-time temperature control of samples using proportional integrative derivative (PID) techniques based on the infrared thermography temperature read-out. The inactivation of heat sensitive fraction of PME, that verifies orange juice pasteurization, showed a z-value of 22.1 degrees C. Carotenoid content, responsible for sensorial and nutritional quality in fresh juices, decreased by about 13% after MW pasteurization at 70 degrees C for 1 min. Total of 7 carotenoid compounds were quantified during MW heating: zeaxanthin and beta-carotene content decreased by about 26%, while no differences (P < 0.05) were found for beta-cryptoxanthin in the same trial. A slight decrease in vitamin C content was monitored after MW heating. Results showed that MW heating with a fine temperature control could result in promising stabilization treatments.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Pasteurization and Food Preservation
Physical Methods for Controlling Microbial Growth: Temperature
Principles of Food Preservation
Microbes in Food Production
Microbes in Beverage Production
Physical Methods for Controlling Microbial Growth: Radiation and Filtration

