Nonenzymatic Browning studies using an electrolytic cell

The present study investigated the possibility of using an electrolytic cell to prevent nonenzymatic browning in lemon juice products. A single-strength, a double strength and a triple-strength lemon juice were subjected to four different current densities (0.116, 0.231, 0.463 and 0.926 A/m;After one month of storage, juice samples were assessed for browning and quality alteration. The chemical indices used were the browning index and concentrations in furfural and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF). Although redox potentials and concentrations in dissolved oxygen were significantly reduced by the electrolytic cell treatment, none of the electrochemical treatments significantly retarded detrimental reactions in juices over the storage period. Initial levels in dissolved oxygen and redox potential do not seem to have any significant effect on browning or chemical quality deterioration in lemon juices. Thus, the present study suggests that nonenzymatic browning in lemon juice products may be due to factors other than oxidative reactions.