This study was conducted to investigate the effect of high pressure processing (HPP) at different pressures
(200, 400 and 600 MPa) and treatment times (10 and 20 min) on microbial population, physicochemical
parameters, bioactive compounds, total antioxidant activity and volatile compounds in green
asparagus juice, in comparison with thermal processing (121 C/3 min) and control (no treatment). The
results indicated that HPP at 400 and 600 MPa for both treatment times decreased the total mesophilic
bacteria to undetectable level as the thermal treatment did, thus ensuring the safety of asparagus juice.
The pH value and soluble solids content of asparagus juice were not significantly affected by HPP
treatments as compared to thermal processing and control. However, all HPP treatments retained
significantly more ascorbic acid, rutin and total phenolic contents and higher total antioxidant activity
than thermal treatment. The main volatile compounds in asparagus juice were aldehydes, alcohols and
ketones. HPP treatments maintained significantly higher concentrations of aldehydes, alcohols and ketones
than thermal treatment. These results suggest that HPP could be an effective alternative to conventional
thermal processing for production of high quality green asparagus juice.