The effects of thermal and nonthermal processing methods on apple cider quality and consumer acceptability

Due to increased concern about the safety of fruit, vegetable and juice products, the FDA has mandated that these must undergo a 5-log reduction in pathogens. The development of various processing methods for juice products has caused the need to determine the effects of these methods on said products. The effect of thermal pasteurization, UV irradiation and ozone treatment on apple cider quality and consumer acceptability was studied over 21 days. Thermally pasteurized samples were different in color and less preferred in all areas of consumer acceptability. UV-irradiated samples were lower in soluble solids for the first 7 days and showed no significant difference in consumer acceptability. Ozone-treated cider had greater sedimentation lower sucrose content and a decrease in soluble solids by day 21. UV irradiation allows for a more cost-effective method to produce safe apple cider with minimal quality and consumer acceptability differences.