High pressure processing of cocoyam, Peruvian carrot and sweet potato: Effect on oxidative enzymes and impact in the tuber color

• The HPP affects the oxidative enzymes of tubers.
• The HPP was able to activate or inactive the enzymes depending on the source of the vegetable.
• The tuber constituents can minimize the enzyme inactivation caused by the HPP.
• The tuber color was compatible with the measurements of enzymatic activity.
• The main browning effects in the tubers were attributed to the PPO behavior.

High pressure processing (HPP) is a non-thermal technology used to activate or inactivate enzymes. This study investigated the effects of HPP (600 MPa for 5 or 30 min at 25 °C) on cocoyam, Peruvian carrot and sweet potato color, and the polyphenoloxidase (PPO) and peroxidase (POD) activities in tuber cubes, puree, and enzyme extract subjected to HPP. The results showed enzyme inactivation by HPP in cocoyam (up to 55% PPO inactivation in puree and 81% POD inactivation in extract) and Peruvian carrot (up to 100% PPO and 57% POD inactivation the extract). In contrast, enzyme activation was observed in sweet potato (up to 368% PPO and 27% POD activation in puree). The color results were compatible to enzyme activity: the color parameters remained unchanged in cocoyam and Peruvian carrot, which showed high PPO and POD inactivation after HPP. Furthermore, the impact of HPP on the enzymes was influenced by the matrix in which HPP was carried out, evidencing that the enzyme structure can be protected in the presence of other food constituents.Industrial relevanceThe enzymes PPO and POD are an important concern for vegetable processing, due its ability to induce browning after vegetables are cut. The HPP at 600 MPa for 5 or 30 min can be used to inactivate these enzymes in cocoyam and Peruvian carrot, guaranteeing the color and freshness of the tubers similar to the fresh cut vegetable.