Abstract

This study was conducted to determine changes in phenolic compounds of astrigent persimmons before and after softening process and evaluate discoloring properties of major phenolic compounds. Phenolic compounds in soft persimmons were mainly composed of catechins and chlorogenic acid. Although contents of phenolic compounds were reduced during the softening process, little change in the ratio of catechins to total phenolic compounds was observed. Most of phenolic compounds in damaged astringents persimmons were existed in the high molecular weight fraction and more phenolic compounds were extracted at the temperature higher than room temperature. To evaluate discoloring abilities of phenolic compounds, phenolic compounds were dissolved separately into water or 80% methanol. With presence of various amounts of anti-discoloring agents such as vitamin C, citric acid, and L-cystein, (+)catechin was significantly reduced.

Keywords

• persimmons;
• phenolic compounds;
• anti-discoloring agents