Non-enzymatic browning of a composite puree of Choerospondias axillaris, snow pear, and apple: kinetic modeling and correlation analysis

Choerospondias axillaris, snow pear, and apple composite fruit puree can be affected by non-enzymatic browning during storage decreasing the market value of the product. This study aimed to explore, using kinetic methods, the effects of non-enzymatic precursors (polyphenols and ascorbic acid) and intermediates (5-hydroxymethylfurfural) on fruit puree stored at 4 °C for 35 days. The results showed that ascorbic acid fitted the first-order reaction model, while the 5-hydroxymethylfurfural was consistent with the complex reaction model. Furthermore, the 5-hydroxymethylfurfural content was 1.53 ± 0.18 mg/L, (corresponding to an increase of 565%), and the ascorbic acid content was 0.88 ± 0.22 mg/100 g, (corresponding to a decrease of 98.5%). The results also demonstrated a change in the titratable acid, soluble solids, and pH of the fruit puree. Finally, the correlation results revealed a significant correlation between non-enzymatic browning and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural, titratable acid, and pH (p < 0.05). Overall, the results suggest that the Maillard reaction could be responsible for the non-enzymatic browning of fruit purees during storage.