Studies on the Stability of Vitamin C at Elevated Concentrations in Canned Tropical Fruit Juices and Nectars

Abstract

Studies were conducted to determine the stability of vitamin C at elevated concentrations in canned tropical fruit juices and nectars. Canned guava nectar, as well as juices of orange, tomato, and pineapple were fortified with ascorbic acid at seven different levels ranging from the original content present in the samples to about 300 mg. per 100 ml. Half of the samples were stored at room temperature and the other similar half at 100°F. for a period of 6 months. The results indicated that the losses of vitamin C were higher in the samples stored at 100°F. than in those stored at room temperature—regardless of the level of concentration. However, in the guava nectar the percentage of vitamin C destruction was relatively higher at lower concentrations and lower at higher concentrations at both temperatures. No such pattern could be observed in the juices. But the losses of vitamin C in the juices at all levels of concentration ranged below 30 percent at room temperature and below 40 percent at 100°F. This is relatively less than the losses that occurred in the guava nectar.