The possibility of making soft drinks with
yacon juices was examined. Colorless, transparent and almost odorless juices
were obtained by 5 % activated carbon powder treatment. Some adsorbents and ion
exchange resins were added in the clear juices to improve flavor and taste.
Sensory evaluation found no evident difference. After this, the juices treated
with 5% activated carbon powder were used. Adjustment of acidity was performed
with citric acid and malic acid. Comparatively
favorable sensory evaluation was gained when powders of citric acid and malic acid mixed at the ratio of 2: I were
added to the juice at the concentration of 0.4% (w/v). The yacon juices were
heated for sterilization at 90'C for 5, 15 and 30 minutes. Fructo-oligosaccharides
were degraded markedly by the 30-minute heating. The higher the degree of
polymerization in fructo-oligosaccharides became, the
larger its rate of decrease became. Also, an adverse change in flavor occurred
due to Maillard reaction.