Peroxidase (POD) and polyphenoloxidase (PPO) are oxidative enzymes related to the darkening process suffered by fruits. Thus, the control of the effects of these enzymes, in the preservation of fruit, in order to minimize the darkening process is considered of great importance for food processing technology. The present study investigated the effects of POD and PPO on fresh grapes from Benitaka and Rubi cultivars, as well as the thermal stability and the residual enzymatic activities in the processing of juice and jelly (extra and light). Moreover, the microbiological quality of the processed products was evaluated. It was observed that, the effect of the POD enzyme, from the soluble fraction, as well as from the ionically bound fraction, was similar in both varieties of grapes, Benitaka and Rubi. But the effect of the PPO enzyme was higher in the Rubi variety. Operations such as cooking and pasteurizing were the most efficient processes to reduce the residual enzymatic effect of POD and PPO in grape jelly, in comparison to the juice. Although such processes were not enough for total enzymatic inactivation, they permitted a considerable reduction, thus were efficient to guarantee the microbiological safety of the products, such as jelly and juice.
Vitis vinifera L.; peroxidase; polyphenoloxidase; thermostability
