Six activated carbon
powders, SD, BA, TW, ZN, TA and KA, were tested for their ability to clarify,
decolor, deodorize and adsorb various yacon juice components. Each activated
carbon powder was evaluated at concentrations of 0, l, 2, 3, 4 and 5%. The ZN and
TA activated carbon powders, which had the largest bulk volumes of all tested
powders, were most effective; producing nearly colorless, transparent and
odorless juices at concentrations of 2% to 3% relative to the yacon juice. ZN
and TA adsorptiveness of soluble solids and polyphenolic substances was higher
than that of the SD, BA, TW and KA powders. Although the absorption of
fructooligosaccharides was selectively high, soluble sugars, fructose and
glucose, were nearly impervious to adsorption. The adsorption of sucrose was
also found to be low.