Effect of black currant genotype on the quality and rheological properties of jams

Author: Marina Rubinskiene ¹, Vilma Speiciene ², Daiva Leskauskaite ³ and Pranas Viskelis ^1*

Received 8 September 2006, accepted 27 November 2006.

Abstract

Berries of black currant cultivars grown in Lithuania (Joniniai and Vakariai), Byelorussia (Minaj Shmyriov), Sweden (Öjebyn and Titania) and Scotland (Ben Alder and Ben More) and their respective jams were investigated. The influence of plant genotype on the chemical composition of black currant and their products was evaluated. Additionally, rheological characteristics of black currant jams were determined. Cultivars Vakariai and Joniniai contained the largest amount of ascorbic acid, 2.58 and 2.36 g kg^-1, respectively. Berries from cultivars Vakariai and Ben Alder contained the largest amount of dry soluble solids, anthocyanins and acidity. Jams made from the berries of cv. Vakariai had the largest amount of ascorbic acid (1.06 g kg^-1) and anthocyanins (1.47 g kg^-1). Rheological properties of black currant jams depended on dry matter content and the amount of pectin in the berries. Jams made from the berries of cvs Öjebyn, Vakariai and Titania were characterized as strong gels with well-connected structure, high water binding capacity and apparent viscosity.

Key words: Biochemical composition, black currant, jam, rheological properties.