Optimization of Carrot Juice Color and Cloud Stability

Investigations were conducted on the effects of heating, acidification, and enzyme treatment on carrot juice color and cloud stability. Heating whole carrots to 93°C prior to milling and pressing improved juice color, but reduced juice yield compared to heating milled carrots to 93°C. Juice color was improved by acidification of milled carrots to pH 5 or 4 with citric acid prior to pressing. Juice from carrots heated before milling clarified quickly if not acidified before pressing. Acidification after juice extraction did not stabilize cloud. A commercial pectinase/hemicellulase preparation improved juice color, but not juice yield. Only 20% of potential β‐carotene was extracted from carrots during pressing, and β‐carotene was extracted to a greater extent than α‐carotene.