The invention discloses a
sulfur-free big red star anise
processing method based on
endogenous metabolism precursor regulation and application, mature star anise fresh fruits with yellow peels and full seeds are used as raw materials, and the
processing method sequentially comprises three links of
ultraviolet stress pretreatment, short-time hot water fixation and segmented
drying. Through
ultraviolet treatment, red precursor metabolites such as reduced
glutathione,
phenolic acid, flavone, stilbenes and
sugar phosphoric acid are enriched in the fruits; the
polyphenol oxidase is rapidly inactivated through short-time hot water fixation, the precursor
pool is stabilized, and the quality loss is controlled; in the
drying stage, the precursor is promoted to be gradually converted into
phenolic acid oxidation products, aromatic
aldehyde, aromatic
amino acid-containing small peptides and
terpenoid aroma substances in a
sulfur-free environment, and stable
bright red color and typical
aroma are formed. Compared with a traditional
sulfur fumigation process, the method has the advantages that the bright red star anise with high red brightness, low fruit
cracking rate, natural
flavor and remarkably reduced sulfur residue risk can be obtained under the condition that sulfur is not used, and the method is suitable for green and safe
processing and standardized production of the star anise industry.