Rowanberry Extract

Natural Food Preservation Solution for Clean-Label Foods

Rowanberry Extract from A&B Ingredients is a natural ingredient extracted from the rowan tree berries (Sorbus aucuparia). It is a clean-label, non-GMO, and cost-effective natural solution for shelf life extension in food and beverage products. Rowanberry extract contains a range of bioactive compounds and organic acids, including sorbic acid. Rowanberry extract is a natural replacement for synthetic preservatives, like potassium sorbate.

Rowanberry extract can be added to various food and beverage products to control spoilage bacteria, yeast, and mold. Rowanberry extract can help maintain quality in products like refrigerated foods, bakery fillings, cultured and plant-based dairy, beverages, dried meats, and more.

We offer a range of plant-based extracts that help clean-label manufacturers extend the shelf life and maintain the sensorial properties of food products.

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What Is Rowanberry Extract

Rowanberry, also known as Mountain berry or Mountain ash berry, is the fruit of the rowan tree (Sorbus aucuparia). Rowanberries have a distinct appearance and flavor profile. Rowanberry extract contains compounds with antimicrobial and antimicrobial properties. Rowanberries are a natural source of sorbic acid and are utilized for their natural preservative qualities. These natural preservatives can inhibit the growth of yeast and molds, and other spoilage bacteria, and extend the shelf life of certain food and beverage products.

Sorbic Acid and Its use in Food

Sorbic acid is a naturally occurring organic compound found in Rowan berries and other plants. It was first discovered in the Mountain Ash Tree (Sorbus aucuparia), also known as Rowan tree. Sorbic acid is effective at preventing the growth of various microorganisms, fungi, yeasts, and molds. The antimicrobial (preservative) properties of sorbic acid were first discovered in the late 1930s and extensively tested. In the 1950s, sorbic acid was proven effective against Clostridium botulinum in meats. It works by disrupting the cell membranes of these microorganisms, inhibiting their ability to reproduce and thrive in food products.

Sorbic acid and its salts, such as potassium sorbate, are widely used in the food industry to inhibit the growth of yeast, molds, and fungi.

Potassium sorbate is the potassium salt of sorbic acid. Today most potassium sorbate is made synthetically. This synthetic preservative is widely used in products like cheese, baked goods, dried fruits, syrups, jams, smoked meat and fish, yogurt, dietary supplements, and more. When dissolved in water, potassium sorbate ionizes to form sorbic acid. It is commonly used at 0.025% to 1.0% usage rates with a minimal impact on color or taste of the product. Potassium sorbate has approximately 74% of the antimicrobial potency of sorbic acid, therefore, requiring higher concentrations to achieve same results that natural, pure sorbic acid can provide.

With the rise of natural foods and the "clean label" trend, natural preservatives have emerged as the preferred method of food preservation. A growing number of food and beverage manufacturers are formulating new products and reformulating existing products with natural preservatives. Natural sorbic acid, sourced from Rowanberries, is considered safer and more acceptable to consumers than synthetic preservatives.

The Benefits Of Rowanberry Extract As A Natural Preservative Solution

Spoilage from yeast, mold, and fungi poses significant challenges to the food and beverage industry. They are pervasive microorganisms and can contaminate raw ingredients and processed foods, such as baked goods and dairy products, posing significant health challenges to food safety and quality.

The presence of spoilage microorganisms, yeast, and molds can lead to the deterioration of food products, resulting in off-flavors, undesirable smells, and visible fungal growth. These microorganisms are resilient and can thrive within a broad temperature range of 10-35 °C (50-95 °F) and pH 2-9 levels.

Rowanberry extract is a natural preservative that can help mitigate the growth of spoilage bacteria, yeast, and molds in food and beverage products. Rowanberry extract is an effective antimicrobial; it can help inhibit the growth of yeast, molds, and fungi extending the shelf life of foods while maintaining a clean label statement.

Sorbic acid is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) when used within established guidelines and specified limits. It has been approved as a food preservative by regulatory agencies such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).

Natural Preservation Trend In The Food And Beverage Industry

The use of Rowanberry extract and other natural preservatives in food and beverage products is a growing trend in the industry. Natural food preservation solutions are also aligned with consumer preferences for cleaner labels and more sustainable options. In fact, according to the IFIC 2021 Survey, four in ten consumers seek out foods made with natural preservatives. The use of natural preservatives, like Rowanberry extract, also helps reduce food loss and food waste through natural shelf life extension.

To learn more about Rowanberry extract and discuss your specific application needs, speak with our ingredient experts.