ARS | Publication request: Effect of UV-B light and different cutting styles on antioxidant enhancement of commercial fresh-cut carrot products

Submitted to: Food Chemistry
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: March 22, 2012
Publication Date: March 30, 2012
Repository URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2012.03.097
Citation: Du, W., Avena Bustillos, R.D., Breksa III, A.P., Mchugh, T.H. 2012. Effect of UV-B light and different cutting styles on antioxidant enhancement of commercial fresh-cut carrot products. Food Chemistry. 134:1862-1869. DOI:10.1016/j.foodchem.2012.03.097.

Interpretive Summary: The results of the present study show that exposing five commercial fresh-cut carrot products (baby carrots, carrot sticks, shredded carrots, crinkle cut coins, and oblong chips) to a form of ultraviolet light known as UV-B, found in sunshine, can boost the antioxidant activity of the colorful veggie. UV-B exposure has the potential to increase the nutritional value of commercial fresh-cut carrot products.

Technical Abstract: The results of the present study show that exposing five commercial fresh-cut carrot products (baby carrots, carrot sticks, shredded carrots, crinkle cut coins, and oblong chips) to UV-B radiation can significantly increase the antioxidant capacity of carrots. Optimization of the nutritional beneficial effects of UV-B exposure is correlated to increasing exposure area of fresh-cut carrots. UV-B exposure has the potential to increase the nutritional value of commercial fresh-cut carrot products.