Chemical-free processing of sweet sorghum juice of cultivar sucrosorgho 506

Abstract

The development of sweet sorghum syrup producing technology for the juice of cultivar Sucrosorgho 506 was completed. The applicability of different existing syrup production technologies including sugar beet-based sugar production technology, and sugar cane processing technology was also tested. The new chemical-free syrup production technology was realized at laboratory-scale and large laboratory-scale. The proposed technology offers a chemical free separation and concentration of carbohydrates, and consists of centrifugal separation; ultrafiltration extended with an approved sterilization followed by nanofiltration to separate carbohydrates and inorganics, and finally a vacuum evaporation to reach syrup state. By using this technology the initial glucose:fructose:sucrose ratio could be preserved in the syrup, therefore not limiting its further use. The possible food application was established by sensory analysis. It was revealed that the syrup produced via the developed process obtained the most attractive character that enables the opportunity to use as natural sweetener.