Assessment of quality parameters and microbial characteristics of Cape gooseberry pulp (Physalis peruviana L.) subjected to high hydrostatic pressure treatment

The aim of this investigation was to determine the effect of high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) on dietary fiber, total phenolic (TPC), Vitamin B and E contents, antioxidant capacity (AC) and microbiological characteristics of gooseberry pulp immediately after processing (300-400-500 MPa/1-3-5 min) and after 30 days of storage at 4 °C. Initially, treatment at 300 MPa/1 min reduced the microbial counts to non-detectable levels (<1.0 log CFU/g). An increased of soluble dietary fiber was observed for all the treatments compared to control samples. Moreover, a notable increase in B₃ and B₆ contents were observed respect to control samples. After refrigerated storage, the insoluble dietary fiber (IDF) to soluble dietary fiber (SDF) ratios were similar to those presented at Day 0. Although the values of TPC were lower than at Day 0, an increasing tendency due to treatments was observed. Regarding antioxidant capacity, maximum values were observed at 500 MPa/5 min. Retentions higher than 84% for (β+γ)-tocopherols and α-tocopherols were reported. Therefore, HHP technology seems to be a good option for microbiological stabilization of gooseberry pulp, while it may also preserve the most quality this pulp including nutritional, antioxidant and physicochemical aspects.