Physicochemical characteristics of hot-water leachate prepared from persimmon leaf dried after steaming or freezing treatment

Abstract

This study was conducted to develop a preservation technology that can induce changes in physicochemical properties to effectively utilize of persimmon leaves. The application effects of steaming or freezing technique were investigated. Astringent persimmon leaves were steam-blanched (100°C, 30 sec) or frozen (−20°C, 15 d), followed by hot-air drying (50°C). The physicochemical properties of the extract obtained by hot-water leaching from the dried leaves were compared. The extract of leaves dried without pretreatment was used as a control. L* value was higher in steamed than in control and frozen. a* value was highest in the control. The browning index was higher in the frozen and lower in the steamed than in the control. Soluble solids were the highest in the steamed and the lowest in the frozen. Sucrose content was relatively high in the steamed, and the glucose and fructose contents were relatively high in the frozen. Total polyphenol content and DPPH radical scavenging activity were higher in steamed and lower in frozen than in control. Thus, it was confirmed that steam or freeze pretreatment after harvesting persimmon leaves affects the extraction yield, color, antioxidant capacity and component changes of dried persimmon leaves. Unlike steaming, freezing pretreatment showed the effect of promoting decomposition and browning reactions, and it is considered useful when such an effect is needed.