In summary, this studywas able to characterize and quantify the
influences of the tested significant intrinsic physicochemical juice
properties and extrinsic process variables on the degradation of
ascorbic acid in heated simulated fruit juices. Predictive models for
post-heating residual ascorbic acid and reduction rate were
established and validated to have acceptable predictive efficacy
within the operable region defined by the variable ranges tested.
The models shall be useful in estimating post process ascorbic acid
concentration in heat pasteurized fruit juices, and shall be particularly
helpful to micro- and small-scale processors who cannot
afford and lack competency in conducting ascorbic acid analysis.
Ascorbic acid supplementation/fortification efforts of processors
can also use the models in adjusting the vitamin content of the raw
material to come up with desired vitamin level in the finished
product. The developed models are proposed to be used in complementary
with the previously established model for product the
inactivation rate E. coli O157:H7, for a more comprehensive control
of safety and quality.