Using Oleoresins in Liquid Blends
This note has been written to provide some guidelines on how to apply oleoresins in liquid blends. These ideas are only general suggestions. Users are encouraged to experiment in their laboratory prior to any production trials.
There is another section written for those using Ecom's oleoresins in dry mixes.
The procedures of this section are roughly analogous to those of using oleoresin in dry mixes. However, there are some differences. Firstly, by the nature of the extraction, the oleoresin may not be soluble in a particular medium. We have developed a range of oleoresins, some soluble in oil, others in water, some in alcohol, and some dispersible in both oils and water. Prior to working with an oleoresin, determine that it is appropriate for your application.
Next, low levels of heat at the time of agitation usually increases the homogeneity of the product, and allows easier mixing into larger batches. Note that most oleoresins are not heat stable. Volatile oils will evaporate, and some oleoresins easily burn. If you require directions for a specific application, please contact our laboratory.
Exact proportions of oleoresins in liquid systems will depend on your oleoresin, your choice of diluant, equipment and production. Many manufacturers first create a premix of the oleoresin in the diluant, and then add the premix to the total solution. Unlike dry mixes there are no general rules for addition rates to premixes. It may range from low percentages where there problems with solubility, to 100% where the oleoresin is soluble in the liquid, and the liquid will be blended in production.
The means of blending the oleoresins or premix into liquid systems can be suitably done on a variety of equipment. "Hill" mixers or other blenders with homogenizing props are best for oleoresins which will stratify in storage (eg black pepper). Other blades include cutting for thick turmeric, or regular props for less viscous fluids. Often low heat assists in mixing, but care must be taken not to volatize the oils or burn the oleoresin.
As with dry mixes, care must be taken to disperse the oleoresin evenly throughout the blend. Ideas for ensuring a more even mix include making sure the blender is in operation during the addition of the premix, having a slow addition rate, and adding it as evenly as the blender opening will permit. The longer the blending time, the better the material will be dispersed.
Storage of the final blend depends on the user’s requirements, but oleoresins usually include volatile components. Therefore flavour and aroma will be retained if the container is of suitable sealing material, such as plastic, foil or metal.
Generally oleoresins are as stable than other components of liquid blends, and will not oxidize them. As a result typical storage conditions for the blend would be cool, dry warehousing.