Pilot-scale production of Omija-cheong by low temperature incubation: An assessment of quality characteristics

Abstract

Omija-cheong, concentrated extracts from sugar-treated Omija fruit (Schisandra chinensis Baillon), is produced by traditional manner in Korea. The quality characteristics of Omija-cheong processed at low temperature with a pilot-scale were investigated to optimize the incubation time. With increasing incubation time in processing Omija-cheong, the pH level of Omija-cheong remained constant, while titratable acidity and organic acids increased. Fresh Omija fruits contained citric, malic and succinic acids, most of which were extracted into concentrated extracts after 37 days of incubation and reached to the stable concentration after 47 days of incubation. Titratable acidity in Omija-cheong gradually increased from 1.18% to 2.71%, and also was correlated with total concentration of organic acids. About 80% of supplemented sucrose for manufacturing Omija-cheong was converted into glucose and fructose until 68 days of incubation, and the composition of free sugars was maintained to be stable up to 138 days of incubation. The contents of total flavonoids and phenolic compounds in Omija-cheong were 24.1 mg-GAE/L and 1,635 mg-QE/L at 57 days of incubation, which were more than 9 and 5 times higher than those in Omija fruits, respectively. From the quality characteristics in processing Omija-cheong by low-temperature incubation, more than 60 days of incubation is required for the constant quality and value-added beverage.