Effects of ascorbic acid on the physiochemical,rheological, and antioxidant properties of citrus essential oil-based emulsion stabilized by pectin

The present study was conducted to enhance the peel of Citrus sinensis (sweet orange) by using their essential oils (EOs) as a potential source of natural bioactive molecules. EOs were obtained by hydrodistillation and their chemical profile was determined through GC-MS analysis. O/W EO emulsions were prepared using pectin as biopolymer emulsifier at different proportions, including different amounts of ascorbic acid (0, 0.5, and 1% w/w). The effect of pectin and ascorbic acid concentrations on the stability and rheological behavior of emulsions was investigated. It was found that adding ascorbic acid to the appropriate concentration of pectin enhances the interfacial membranes surrounding the oil droplets and decreases the droplet sizes. As a result both the viscoelastic modules and the resulting viscosity of emulsions increase leading to an improvement of their stability. Antioxidant activity of orange EO emulsion in combination with ascorbic acid was found significantly higher than that without ascorbic acid, and higher than that of individual components. Overall, this study would be helpful in developing more effectives systems with promising physical and antioxidant characteristics for the preservation of foods.