Abstract
Cornelian cherry (Cornus mas L.) fruits are known for their significant amounts of anthocyanins which can be used as natural food colorants. The storage stability of anthocyanins from these fruit extracts, at different temperatures (2 °C, 25 °C and 75 °C), pH 3.02, in the presence of two of the most widely employed food preserving agents (sodium benzoate and potassium sorbate) was investigated. The highest stability was exhibited by the anthocyanin extract stored at 2 °C without any added preservative, with half-life and constant rate values of 1443.8 h and 0.48 × 10−3 h−1, respectively. The highest value of the degradation rate constant (82.76 × 10−3/h) was obtained in the case of anthocyanin extract stored at 75 °C without any added preservative. Experimental results indicate that the storage degradation of anthocyanins followed first-order reaction kinetics under each of the investigated conditions. In aqueous solution, the food preservatives used were found to have a slight influence on the anthocyanins’ stability.
Highlights
Cornelian cherry (Cornus mas L.) is a species of dogwood native to Southern Europe and Southwest Asia
The influence of temperature and food preserving agents on the stability of anthocyanins from the Cornelian cherry fruits extract during storage was investigated
The total anthocyanin content of Cornelian cherries and the storage stability of these compounds indicated that these fruits can be used as an important source of natural red pigment for the food industry
Summary
Cornelian cherry (Cornus mas L.) is a species of dogwood native to Southern Europe and Southwest Asia. Fresh cornelian cherry fruits contain twice as much ascorbic acid (vitamin C). The most popular application of cornelian cherries is in different drinks, gels and jams, but they can be eaten fresh, dried whole or pickled. The use of Cornelian cherries for the medical treatment of gastrointestinal disorders and diarrhea has been reported [2]. In Europe, Cornelian cherry fruits were reported to have food and cosmetic applications [4]. Because of their health benefits, there are several reports about Cornelian cherry fruits, especially regarding their physical and chemical properties, as well as their polyphenolic, ascorbic acid and anthocyanin contents [5]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
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 call
