Abstract

In this work, the quality parameters of commercial agave syrups produced in five different Mexican states and with different production process were evaluated. Regulated parameters (pH, Moisture, Ashes, and 5-(hydroxymethyl) furfural), as well as color and a_w, were measured on 25 agave syrups, including traditional samples as controls. Traditional and semi-industrial syrups were samples obtained by thermal hydrolysis. Additionally, the semi-industrial process included control of process variables such as pH, °Bx, and temperature. The industrial process is technified. The agave syrups ranged from 70-76 °Bx, pH ranged from 3.2-6.7, and moisture from 20.2-28.6%. The a_w values shown a wide variation as well as L* a* and b* color parameters. Some of those parameters shown significant differences in ANOVA analysis; however, most of the samples complied with the norm. General Discriminant Analysis (GDA) made it possible to discriminate between production process by using pH, % Ash, b*, 5-(hydroxymethyl)furfural and a* parameters. Further analysis of a wide range of syrups and the inclusion of non-regulated compounds such as volatile compounds and carbohydrates are needed to get more information for a deeper characterization of agave syrups. 

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