Abstract
There is pressure from consumers about exchanging synthetic for natural dyes in foods. This review aimed to expose the potential of blueberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) as a source of natural dye, associated with its properties of functional food. Blueberry is a fruit plant natural from temperate climate, rich in phenolic compounds. The properties of phenolic compounds can be attributed to its ability to capture free radicals, deactivating or eliminating them from the body. Anthocyanins are flavonoid phenolic compounds responsible for color of fruits, flowers and vegetables. Blueberry is rich in anthocyanins, being its content more affected by genotype than by climatic or environmental factors. Brazil has the potential to assume an important position in the worldwide market of this fruit, both in natura and as byproducts, whose main destinations are populations from regions with higher income and educational level, as the North America and Europe. Due to the importance of blueberry as a source of natural pigments, as well as its high value while associated with functional food, it is important to improve extraction and stabilization processes of anthocyanins from blueberry fruits. Researches should focus on the technical viability and cost reduction in the extraction of this pigment. Pioneer studies with blueberry have been conducted in Brazil, but the intensification of researches will allow yield maximization, increased levels of anthocyanins in fruits, and compound stability after extraction. Another focus should be the use of these natural pigments in order to replace those currently used.
Highlights
Color is associated to many aspects of our lives, shifting consciously or not the way we feel and decide about everyday situations, including those involving the preference for a specific food
Rocha [11] showed that blueberry from the variety Bluegem presented 32.5% of its antioxidant activity in the fresh pulp, while its activity increased to 42.88% in the extract obtained by the previously described DPPH method
Due to the various beneficial effects in the body related to the continued consumption of blueberry, both in natura and as byproducts such as natural anthocyanic pigments, researches should be directed to the technical feasibility of obtaining these pigments from blueberry, as well as to reduce costs with extraction of this pigment
Summary
Color is associated to many aspects of our lives, shifting consciously or not the way we feel and decide about everyday situations, including those involving the preference for a specific food. Methods employed in these two stages do not improve fruit quality, but help reducing processes of senescence and decomposition, ensuring better conservation and providing a longer shelf life [4] Dehydration, both by atomization and liofilization, result in foods with higher nutritive value, stable and versatile, that can be used as flavorings, colorings, sweeteners, vitamins, minerals, acidulants, spices and drugs [5]. Degradation occurs since extraction and purification to processing and storage, and the main factors affecting stability are the chemical structure of the pigment, pH, temperature and type of solvent used for extraction [12] In this context, due to the importance of blueberry as a source of natural pigments, as well as its high added value due to the association with functional food, it is important to develop and enhance methods of extraction and stabilization of anthocyanins from blueberry, which would result in higher post-extraction stability of the pigment. This review aimed to expose the potential of blueberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) as a source of natural dye, associated with its properties of functional food
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
