Processing deteriorated beet. Part 1: Indicative and quantitative analysis of the degree of deterioration

For purpose of process control and measures to handle deteriorated beet material it is of the utmost importance to monitor the beet quality parameters indicating beet deterioration. This paper presents an overview of the most appropriate methods to be applied: visual inspection of beet material, analysis of marker components like mannitol and invert sugar, and the analysis of dextran. Critical levels of these components in sugar beet are mentioned, beyond which actions in process operation should be undertaken. Recognizing deteriorating beet quality at an early stage is possible by attention to sudden or gradual changes of particular process parameters and performance indicators, which will be briefly explained.