Effect of UV-B light and different cutting styles on antioxidant enhancement of commercial fresh-cut carrot products

Wounding stresses resulting from fresh-cut processing are known to enhance the antioxidant capacity (AC) of carrots by increasing the synthesis of phenolic compounds. Ultraviolet-B (UV-B) light exposure further promotes the formation of phenolic compounds. Changes in total soluble phenolics (TSP), 5-O-caffeoylquinic acid (5-CQA), total carotenoids, AC, and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) activity of five commercial fresh-cut carrot products (baby carrots, carrot stixx, shredded carrots, crinkle cut coins, and oblong chips) were evaluated after exposure to UV-B dosage at 141.4 mJ/cm2. Significant increases in TSP, AC and 5-CQA levels were observed for each sample following UV-B exposure. Increases in PAL activity were also observed in all carrot products, except crinkle cut coins. Total carotenoids of the carrot products were unchanged by UV-B exposure. Increases in AC levels corresponded directly with increases in the area/weight ratio (exposure area) of the fresh-cut carrot products.