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Published:
Nov 22, 2019DOI:
10.4314/br.v16i1.5Keywords:
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Main Article Content
Studies on industrially processed fruit juice and freshly prepared fruit juice sold in Enugu State, Nigeria
Abstract
The sugar and mineral levels of industrially processed fruit juices (mainly 100% and 50% fruit juices) sold to consumers in Enugu state, Nigeria were determined and compared with that of freshly prepared fruit juices. The fruit juices tested included apple, orange, pineapple and red grape juices. The industrially processed and the freshly prepared fruit juices were tested for total soluble solid (TSS) content, fructose, glucose, sucrose, minerals such as sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, iron and heavy metals such as copper, zinc, arsenate and lead. Findings from the analysis of the TSS content of fruit juice samples demonstrated no significant (p > 0.05) difference between the industrially processed and freshly prepared fruit juices; however, differences in sugar and mineral levels between industrially processed and freshly extracted fruit juices were significant (p < 0.05). Industrially processed fruit juices contained higher glucose, sucrose, sodium, calcium, phosphorus, copper and zinc contents, and lower fructose, potassium and magnesium contents when compared to freshly prepared fruit juices. There was no significant (p > 0.05) difference in iron and arsenate contents of industrially processed fruit juices when compared with the freshly extracted juices. Lead (Pb) was not detected in any of the samples. This study demonstrated no quality issues of concern in relation to the products because all the parameters considered in the study were within the standard acceptable range for fruit juices and nectar.
Keywords: Fruit juice, sugar content, mineral content, heavy metals, Enugu State
