he physicochemical and microbiological qualities of pressurized herbal-plant beverage at 400
MPa and 25°C for 30 min and pasteurized beverage at 90°C for 2 min were investigated during
storage at 4°C for 4 weeks. It was found that the brightness (L) of both processed beverages
noticeably decreased (P < 0.05) with an increasing storage time, while other parameters such as
a*
(reddish), b*
(yellowish), ΔE (total different colors) and BI (Browning Index) were trended
to increase. In addition, the bioactive components, i.e. ascorbic acid, γ-oryzanol, asiatic acid,
gallic acid, ellagic acid and total phenols, and antioxidant capacity (DPPH assay) in both
processed beverages significantly declined (P < 0.05) throughout the entire storage. Overall the
results displayed that pressurization could maintain the natural color and bioactive compounds
of the product better than thermally process.