Possibility to use the different sizes and colors of carrots for the production of juices - comparison of bioactive compounds, nutritional quality, pro-health properties, and sensory evaluation.

Abstract

Carrot is a popular vegetable consumed by people of all age groups and is used in various food products because of its high nutritional content, especially vitamin A. In the present study, colorful fresh carrot juices of 12 carrot varieties were investigated for in vitro antidiabetic, anti-aging, and anti-obesity activities with antioxidant potential by ABTS (2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) and FRAP (ferric reducing ability of plasma) assays. The studied juices were also compared for physicochemical characteristics: titratable acidity, pH, pectin content, total soluble solids, dry mass, ash, viscosity, turbidity, osmolality, and color. The results of the study showed that normal purple carrot juice exhibited the best activities in all biological and antioxidant tests, except for anti-α-glucosidase activity. Normal purple carrot juice also had the highest total mineral content with elevated results for titratable acidity, pH, total soluble solids, dry mass, ash, viscosity, and osmolality. Purple carrot juices demonstrated elevated health-promoting activities and could be used in blended beverage recipes to attract children's attention. The results of sensorial characteristics (appearance, color, and taste) of juices, however, showed that people are more familiar with orange carrot products. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.