AVALIAÇÃO DA EXTRAÇÃO DE COMPOSTOS FENÓLICOS DO BAGAÇO DE MAÇÃ COM ETANOL PARA APLICAÇÃO EM SIDRA

Abstract

Apple has high amounts of phenolic compounds, distributed in different classes which show antioxidant capacity. In addition, the phenolic compounds contribute to flavor, color and aroma in apple beverages. However, most of the phenolic compounds, especially the flavonoids, are retained in the apple pomace, during processing. In this way, this work aimed to optimize the flavonoids extraction from apple pomace using food grade solvent, and to apply the extracts in ciders in order to improve the technological, nutritional and sensorial characteristics of the final product. In the extraction experiments, the effects of solvent concentration (ethanol), temperature and solid/liquid ratio on process yield and antioxidant activity of the extracts were evaluated using response surface methodology (RSM). In addition, the extraction kinetics as well as the stability of the extract were studied. The multiple linear regression analysis coupled to RSM suggested that the extraction be performed using ethanol 60% at 50 °C and with solute-solvent ratio of 1:20 (w/v). The effects of time and temperature on the equilibrium concentration of the extraction were evaluated, which was reached at approximately 50 minutes with contents of 1852.77; 1728.35 and 1265.29 mg CAT/kg for the temperatures of 50, 35 and 20 ° C, respectively. The activation energy required for solute transfer to occur was determined, 9.01 kJ mol-1. In general, the flavonoids showed good stability during the period of 90 days, being suggested its storage or application under a temperature of 10 °C and pH about 3.5. The extract obtained under the best conditions was added to the must prior to addition of the yeast inoculum and the fermentation was monitored by kinetic study. The musts and ciders (1, 4, 7, 11 and 15 days) were evaluated as to the individual phenols and sugar and ethanol contents were quantified in high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). In addition, the total phenolic composition, total flavonoids, flavanols, flavonols and antioxidant activity, as well as total titratable acidity, pH and color were evaluated. The final products were sensorially analyzed for color intensity, acidity, astringency and bitterness by means of a structured scale. The odor quality was evaluated in a hedonic scale of acceptance. The addition of the extract increased about 40% in the total flavonoid content. Quercetin glycosides, compounds present only in the apple epicarp, were found, being one of the compounds associated for the increase in antioxidant activity. The cider with the extract addition showed higher intensity of color and perception of the bitterness and astringency. Despite the changes in phenolic composition, the addition of the extract did not affect the odor quality of the final product. Therefore, the phenolic extract obtained with ethanol under optimized conditions was able to reincorporate bioactive compounds retained in the pomace, increasing the antioxidant capacity and changing sensorial characteristics responsible for the acceptability of the beverage.