Iron's role in rhizome discolorationStudy on the formation mechanism of blackening in damaged lotus rhizome epidermis: Effects of polyphenols and iron.
Iron's interaction complicates isolation
We explored how iron interacts with polyphenols in lotus rhizomes, specifically looking at how this combination affects bruising and the resulting discoloration. Our study revealed that when lotus rhizomes sustain bruises, the levels of total phenols decrease while the iron content significantly increases.
We found that certain polyphenols like dopa, gallocatechin, and catechin were present in the rhizomes. Interestingly, when combined with iron, these polyphenols led to noticeable darkening of the tissue, showcasing a clear link between iron and blackening. In a simulated environment, we were able to replicate these effects, confirming that iron plays a significant role under neutral conditions.
While we discovered ways to prevent this blackening, such as using ascorbic acid or EDTA, our main focus was the interaction between iron and dopa in bruised lotus rhizomes. This interaction seems to be the driving force behind the discoloration process. The insights from this research can help improve the storage methods for lotus rhizomes and support the industry's development.
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