Characterization and Physico-chemical Evaluation of Fresh and Pasteurized Juices from Cashew Apple (Anacardium occidentale) of Different Varieties

Abstract

This study investigated the physicochemical, nutritional, and microbiological characteristics of fresh and pasteurized juices produced from different varieties of cashew apple. Cashew fruits were sourced from the Michael Okpara Cashew Orchard, Okigwe, Imo State, and analyzed at Grifeon Project Limited Laboratory, Umuahia, Abia State. Seven juice samples (FPJ900, PPJ901, FYJ902, PYJ903, FYJ904, and PRJ905) were processed and assessed for proximate composition, vitamin and mineral content, phytochemicals, organic acids, sugar profile, sensory quality, and shelf-life attributes. Proximate analysis showed moisture, ash, fat, protein, and carbohydrate levels with no significant differences at P>0.05 across varieties. Similarly, pH, titratable acidity, total soluble solids, total sugar, and specific gravity exhibited no significant variation. Vitamin C (14.31–25.76 mg/100 g), vitamin A (0.064–9.85 RAE), vitamin B2 (0.48–2.40 mg/100 g), vitamin B6 (2.65–45.25 mg/100 g), and vitamin E (9.32–15.77 mg/100 g) also showed statistically similar values. Mineral contents for calcium (2.01–8.02 mg/100 g), potassium (4.81–6.45 mg/100 ml), phosphorus (0.50–0.62 mg/100 ml), and iron (0.06–0.09 mg/100 ml) followed the same trend. Phytochemical concentrations were low, while the sugar profile indicated moderate levels of glucose (22.21–32.21 g/L), fructose (3.41–30.57 g/L), and sucrose (16.11–16.73 g/L). Sensory evaluation revealed that FPJ900 (fresh pink juice) demonstrated superior acceptability. Shelf-life studies showed increasing microbial counts during storage, although pasteurization at 75°C enhanced stability. Overall, all cashew apple varieties exhibited comparable quality attributes, confirming the fruit’s high nutritional value and strong potential for processing into marketable products. Further research on improved preservation techniques is recommended to extend shelf life and minimize postharvest losses.