HEAT TREATMENT OPTIMIZATION OF STRAWBERRY PUREE

The aim of the study is to scientifically and experimentally substantiate the optimal range of heat treatment parameters (temperature and duration) for strawberry puree in a rotary apparatus, ensuring the synergy of maximum preservation of vitamin C and total phenolic compounds with high organoleptic properties. Optimization was performed using the response surface method, varying the temperature (60–75 °C) and time (10–35 min) of processing in a MAG-50 rotary apparatus. The target responses were the mass concentration of vitamin C, total phenolic compounds, and an integrated organoleptic assessment. The effectiveness of the established mode was evaluated in a comparative experiment with traditional technology. The optimal processing range was determined: 65–70 °C and 18–25 min. The constructed quadratic models adequately described the influence of the factors (R2 > 0.80). The use of this mode as part of the improved technology provided statistically significant superiority over the traditional analogue: the preservation of vitamin C, anthocyanins, and total phenols increased by 77, 78, and 40 %, respectively. The organoleptic rating reached 4.60 points (versus 4.09), and the color characteristics (L*, a*, C*) significantly improved. Both purees met microbiological safety requirements. The identified optimum mode minimizes vitamin C degradation and ensures maximum extraction of phenolic compounds. The obtained results demonstrate that the use of the MAG-50 rotary apparatus under a specific temperature-time regime is an effective technological solution. It enables the production of strawberry puree with a qualitatively new level of preservation of bioactive substances and sensory characteristics, opening up prospects for its industrial implementation. The temperature-time regime of heat treatment in the MAG-50 rotary apparatus allows for the production of strawberry puree with high preservation of bioactive substances and original organoleptic characteristics, confirming the effectiveness of the proposed technology for industrial application.