Peel Effects on Phenolic Composition, Antioxidant Activity, and Making of Pomegranate Juice and Wine

Pomegranate peel was used in juicing to find out its effects on the juice products’ (storable juice and wine) sensory property, polyphenols composition, and antioxidant ability. Macroporous resin was used to purify the polyphenols, and 6 different in vitro assays were used to comprehensively determine the antioxidant activity of each. The results showed that juicing with peel made the juice bitter and astringent, but contributed better sensory quality to wine. Peel contributed higher total polyphenols and flavonoids, but lower anthocyanins to the juice products, and caused the phenolics content to fluctuate more dramatically during making wine than the storable juice. Polyphenols purified from the juice products containing peel showed higher total reducing ability and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid radical elimination abilities, but their clearance activity of hydroxyl radicals was not positive, and their superoxide anion radical elimination ability showed no significant difference when compared to polyphenols purified from juice products without peel. Practical Application Effects of pomegranate peel on juice and wine quality were investigated to provide a proper way to fully use pomegranate polyphenols for the purpose of improving product preference and nutritional value. Comparing antioxidant abilities of phenolics in pomegranate juice and wine may contribute to the further knowledge about the physiological activity of these products.