Effects of high hydrostatic pressure on the quality and shelf-life of jujube (Ziziphus jujuba Mill.) pulp

• The physicochemical properties of HHP-treated and TT jujube pulp were investigated.
• Total phenolics, flavonoids, and antioxidant capacity increased with increasing pressure time.
• Microbial count was below the detection limit in HHP-treated samples.
• Compared to TT, HHP at 600 MPa/20 min improved the physicochemical properties of samples during storage.

This study evaluated the effects of high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) on the microbial counts, physicochemical properties, bioactive compounds, and antioxidant capacity of jujube pulp. Additionally, this study compared the shelf life of jujube pulp following HHP (600 MPa/20 min) and thermal treatment (100 °C/10 min) during 40 days of storage at 4 °C and 15 °C. The microbial count of HHP-treated jujube pulp (≥ 400 MPa/20 min) was below the detection limit. Total soluble solids and total sugars were not significantly affected by HHP processing, and > 90% ascorbic acid was retained in HHP-treated samples. HHP slightly reduced pH and browning degree and increased total phenolic content, flavonoid content, and antioxidant capacity. HHP can be used as an alternative to thermal pasteurization of freshly squeezed jujube pulp.Industrial relevanceEffects of high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) processing and thermal treatment (TT) on microbiological quality, physicochemical properties, bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity in jujube pulp were investigated. Greater inhibition of microorganisms and better retention of ascorbic acid, total phenolics, flavonoid and antioxidant capacity were observed after HHP-treatment. The available data could be used to design the HHP parameters for high quality jujube juice. Further, this research would provide a useful method for preservation of jujube products and potential technical support for jujube commercial production.