Effect of processing and storage on bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity of carrot juice

Abstract: Fresh carrot juice is one of the widely consumed vegetable juice during winter season. Recipe for ready-to-serve carrot ginger juice was standardized with the addition of sugar, salt and ginger on the basis of sensory evaluation. The effect of processing and storage on bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity of control and ready-to-serve carrot ginger juice was studied. Among the various combinations prepared, 4% sugar, 0.6% salt, 0.8% ginger and 0.05% citric acid showed highest overall acceptability on the basis of sensory scores and was chosen for further analysis. Total phenolic content was determined by using Folin-Ciocalteu reagent and antioxidant activity was determined by using DPPH assay. During processing, significant losses were found in bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity of control and carrot ginger juice. The study revealed that carrot ginger juice was found to retain more antioxidant activity compared to control juice due to addition of ginger. Storage of six months had no significant effect on TSS and acidity of processed carrot juices. However, storage led to significant decrease in bioactive compounds and thus decreased antioxidant activity of carrot products.