Influence of Glow Discharge Plasma Treatment on Cashew Apple Juice’s Aroma Profile and Volatile Compounds

Cashew apple juice has a distinctive fruity aroma but contains an undesired balsamic/chemical note caused by the high concentration of styrene and other aromatic hydrocarbons. Cold plasma technology can induce chemical changes to fruit juices’ volatile compounds, improving the aroma of fruit juices. This study is aimed at evaluating the chemical effects of cold plasma on the volatile compounds and aroma of cashew apple juice, which is characterized by a complex mixture of compounds. Glow discharge plasma was applied to cashew apple juice, varying the plasma flow rate (10 to 30 mL/min) and processing time (10 to 20 min) at a constant voltage (80 kV). Plasma treatment induced several changes in the juice’s volatile compound composition, with a significant decrease in fatty acids and fatty acid esters (92%) and an increase in aldehydes (50%), alcohols (86%), and short-chain esters (21%). The primary reaction observed during plasma treatment was the internal scission of fatty acid and fatty acid esters, which formed short-chain esters and aldehydes. Further hydrogenation of aldehydes produced alcohols. The chemical changes induced by plasma treatment intensified cashew apple juice’s aroma by 28% while maintaining its aroma profile.