Thermally-treated strawberry extrudate: A rich source of antioxidant phenols and sugars

Strawberries have antioxidant, cardiovascular, and antiproliferative properties. The agroindustrial production of strawberry concentrate generates a food waste after extrudation that is usually landfilled. This strawberry extrudate is a rich source of valuable bioactive compounds such as phenols and sugars. In the present study, industrial thermal treatments currently in use for the valorization of other agricultural wastes were determined to be suitable for the treatment of strawberry extrudate. Thermal treatment conditions in the range of 90 degrees C to 200 degrees C were studied. Thermal treatment at 150 degrees C for 60 min without acid addition was the most efficient process based on the solubilization of sugars and phenols as well as the antioxidant capacity of the liquid phase produced. Instead of sending this residual fraction to landfill, such treatment would permit the use of strawberry extrudate as a source for the recovery of valuable bioactive compounds.