Sonication and Microwave Processing of Phalsa Drink: A Synergistic Approach.

Non-thermal processing techniques not only prevent the nutritional losses but also improve the food quality and security. In recent years, consumers demand healthy, safe, and nutritious food. Ultrasound is one of the emerging techniques, which is being studied extensively on various food products. On the other hand, in microwave treatment heat transfer is rapid, so sensory characteristics, nutrients, vitamin content, flavor and color of food are well preserved. A study was conducted on combined effect of sonication and microwave processing on phalsa drink and stored for 120 days. The juice was filled in plastic bottles, sealed and after microwave treatment immediately chilled in ice cold water at 4 ± 1°C. It was observed that synergistic approach of sonication and microwave had shown positive impact on nutritional quality of phalsa drink as it increased (p ≤ 0.05) the total phenolic, flavonoids, reducing power and antioxidant properties of phalsa drink and reduced the microbial load with increase in sonication time from 2 to 8 min. It was concluded that combination of sonication and microwave can be employed without chemical preservatives for treatment of phalsa drink with better retention of nutritional attributes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]