Physicochemical and chemosensory properties of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) seeds under various oven-roasting conditions.

This study investigated the effects of oven-roasting temperature (160, 180, and 200 ℃) and time (5, 10, 15, and 20 min) on pomegranate seeds. Physicochemical properties, such as color (L*, a*, and b* values), browning index (BI), total phenolic and flavonoid contents, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging capacity, and chemosensory properties, including taste and volatile compounds, were analyzed. The L* and a* values, and level of sourness, umami, sweetness, and terpenes decreased, whereas the b* value, BI, and level of saltiness, bitterness, furan derivatives, pyrazines, and sulfur-containing compounds, increased with roasting time. The findings of this study showed that the positive roasting conditions for pomegranate seeds were 10-20 min at 160 ℃ and, 5-10 min at 180 ℃. This study is expected to be used as a primary reference for selecting the optimal oven-roasting conditions in which positive effects appear and for developing products utilizing pomegranate seeds.