Influence of Cold Storage on the Bioactivity Properties and the Quality of the Juice of Moro Blood Orange (<i>Citrus sinensis</i> (L.) Osbeck)

Abstract

The possibility of commercialization of Moro blood oranges in tropical countries such as Brazil was evaluated to verify whether post-harvest management through storage at low temperatures for a period of 60 days can improve the bioactive properties and quality parameters. Moro blood oranges cultivated in Brazil did not contain significant amounts of anthocyanins at the time of harvesting, but these compounds were activated by post-harvest management through storage at low temperatures (4˚C and 8˚C) for a period of 60 days. The emergence of the anthocyanins in the juices occurred within a few weeks of storage, but the maximum levels were attained after 60 days and at the temperature of 8˚C. Cold storage positively influenced other bioactive compounds such as total phenolic compounds, individual phenolic compounds, β-carotene and the antioxidant activity determined by the sequestration of DPPH free radicals. It did not influence the vitamin C content. In addition, storage significantly altered the color, total acidity and pH of the fruits, but it did not prevent its commercial use. The remaining quality parameters were not influenced. It is possible to commercialize these oranges in Brazil through post-harvest management.

Effects of Moro orange juice (Citrus sinensis(l.) Osbeck) on some metabolic and morphological parameters in obese and diabetic rats

“…This fact can be attributed to the synergism between the anthocyanin C3G, flavonoids, ascorbic acid and hydroxycinnamic acids in the Moro orange juice. In the present study, we administrated the Moro orange juice after storage for 60 days at 8 °C, as suggested by Magalhães et al 7 . These authors, who also chemically characterized the Moro orange juice, reported that, under these storage conditions, a higher concentration of anthocyanins was observed.…”

“…Following the induction of the diseases, the juice of the Moro orange cultivated in Brazil, after refrigerated storage at 8 °C for 60 days, was administered daily to groups B, D and F for a period of 28 days. This refrigerated storage condition was chosen on the basis of the study of Magalhães et al ., 7 who reported greater concentrations of anthocyanins at this condition. For these groups, 200 mL of pure Moro orange juice (no water added) was administered daily ad libitum to the rats with a drinking bottle.…”

“…The cultivation in countries with a cold climate is the most appropriate. In contrast, the possibility of increasing anthocyanins in fruits and juices through postharvest management has been demonstrated through storage in a cold chamber, which facilitates the commercialization in countries with a tropical climate 7 . However, studies employing storage management to increase biological activities, because of greater concentrations of anthocyanins, have never been performed.…”

Quality of Dry Extracts of Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck Juices

“…Most blood orange varieties require a wide day-night thermal range to maximize color formation, and cultivation in countries with a cooler climate is the most appropriate (Lo Piero 2015). The biosynthesis of anthocyanin through postharvest management has been demonstrated through storage in a cold chamber (Magalhães et al 2019). Therefore, the local of cultivation of the fruit is standing out, traditionally originating from Italy, Malta and Sicily, where it has been cultivated for many centuries (Maccarone et al 1985).…”

Effectiveness of “Moro” Blood Orange Citrus sinensis Osbeck (Rutaceae) Standardized Extract on Weight Loss in Overweight but Otherwise Healthy Men and Women—A Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Study

“…Moro orange is a rich source of active compounds such as hydroxycinnamic acid, flavone glycosides and ascorbic acids, including anthocyanins with an average content of about 140 mg/L [ 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 ]. Evidence to date has shown that blood oranges demonstrate potent antioxidant activity and cytoprotective effects that reflect their substantial role in preventing chronic pathological conditions such as cardiovascular diseases and in many forms of cancers [ 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 ]. Moreover, a recent study showed that a red orange standardized extract is able to inhibit 3T3-L1 differentiation, by downregulating adipogenic gene and enzymes together with the modulation of adiponectin secretion and leptin release [ 26 ].…”