| Summary: | Response surface methodology (RSM) was employed to analyze the effect of independent variables viz. temperature, time and pH on antioxidant properties of cherry honey. Seventeen runs including five replicates were used to study the combined effect of temperature (60–80°C), time (10–15 min) and pH (3 to 6) on the antioxidant properties [radical scavenging activity (DPPH-RSA), total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC)] of cherry honey. Statistical analysis revealed that process variables significantly affected all the responses. All the three parameters viz. DPPH-RSA, TPC and TFC increased with increase in time and temperature. The antioxidant properties of cherry honey were significantly decreased with increase in pH from 3 to 6. The thermal treatment of honey at 80°C was found to be more effective than at 70 and 60°C. The results demonstrated that antioxidant activity significantly increased with formation of browning pigments.
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