Enhancing Shelf-Life of Bael Beverage Through Various Pasteurization Techniques: A Comparative Study at 25°C and 4°C With Thermal, Pulsed Light, and Microwave Treatments

The influence of thermal (95°C, 5 min), pulsed light (PL, 1.64 kJ/cm² available fluence) and microwave (MW, 2 kW, and 16 min ≈ 90°C final temperature) treatment on various quality attributes and shelf-life of bael (Aegle marmelos) beverage was investigated. The quality parameters under consideration included microbial growth, enzyme activity, bioactive components, sensory quality, and physicochemical properties. Effects of different packaging materials (ethyl vinyl alcohol (EVOH) and multilayered (ML) pouches) and storage temperatures (25°C and 4°C) were also explored. The rate of sample deterioration, loss of bioactive components, and sensory qualities increased with higher storage temperature. MW and thermal processing showed better storage stability based on the minimum microbial counts, enzyme activities, and minimal changes in soluble solids. Least sedimentation was seen in thermally treated samples. MW treatment was better in preventing alterations in pH and titratable acidity (at 25°C), reducing sugars, browning, and sensory acceptance. On 50th day at 4°C, higher total phenolic content (59%–64%), antioxidant capacity (69%–72%), and total carotenoid content (136%–139%) were obtained with the PL treatment. For both packaging materials, a shelf-life of 40–50 days (as per aerobic mesophile count ≤ 4.0 log CFU/mL) and 30 days (as per overall sensory acceptability > 5) at 4°C was obtained for thermal and microwave. As per AM count, shelf-life of PL irradiated beverages was 40 days, and according to sensory acceptability, it was 30 days. Overall, MW processed beverages stored in ML-pouches and at 4°C exhibited better shelf life and storage quality.