Removal of bitterness by using of amberlite in orange juices

The bitterness due to limonine in citrus juices, especially orange juice, is constituted as an important problem in food industry. Limonine is known as a bitter component and the bitterness changes the consumer opinion negatively by affecting organoleptic propeties of orange juices. Limonoate A-ring lactone found in the the citrus fruit is reason of the bitter flavor in the orange juice produced from Washington (navel) orange. The nonbitter limonoate A-ring lactone is converted to limonine (Limonine A, D dilaktone) by changing the form when squeezing orange fruits. In this study, the removal of bitterness in Washington (navel) orange juice due to limonene was examined by using "Amberlite XAD-7HP" adsorbent. In the meanwhile, the changes on some chemical properties of orange juices such as (pH, titratable acidity, brix) were investigated. It had been determined that the adsorbent was successfully removed the bitterness in Washington navel orange juice. The results showed that bitterness caused from limonene was decreased as 90% at 30°C (first trial) and 96% at 40°C (second trial). According to obtained results, the bitterness of orange juice caused from limonene was decreased by using Amberlite XAD-7HP polymeric resin. Key Words: Washington (navel), removal bitterness, limonine, amberlite