Effect of macerate enzymes on the yield, quality, volatile compounds and rheological property of prickly pear juice

Pectinase and cellulase enzymes were used to investigate efficacy for improving juice yield, stability and quality from prickly pear fruit. Pectinase improved the yield, stable color, color-assayed as release of anthocyanins or carotinoids and clarity of the juice. A significant increase in the effectiveness of pectinase was observed as the concentration was increased from 0.05 to 0.50% v/w. However, at concentration > 0.25% v/w they tended to impart a bitter flavor in the juice. Among three concentrations of pectinase and cellulase, pectinase at 0.50% v/w produced higher yield, a sediment-free clear juice and high-quality juice. The results indicated that depectinated clarified prickly pear juice behaves as a Newtonian fluid. It was found that the activation energy (Ea) for viscous flow was in the range of 5.02 x 10(3)-20.06 x 10(3) kJ/mol depending on the concentrations of pectinase and cellulase enzyme treatment of prickly pear juice, in contrast to 22.15 x 10(3) kJ/mol in untreated juice. Volatile compound concentrations of twelve compounds were not affected by pectinase and cellulase treatment. Overall the quality of prickly pear juice was better in pectinase-treated juice compared with untreated and cellulase-treated juice.