Enriching absinthe bitters with stilbenes and lignans from waste plant materials

Abstract

The study aimed to enrich absinthe bitters with stilbenes and lignans from waste plant materials, specifically Vitis vinifera and Picea abies. These bioactive compounds, analysed by liquid chromatography and gas chromatography, reached levels up to 580 +- 25 mg/L for stilbenes and 35.02 +- 1.21 mg/L for 7-hydroxymatairesinol. In primary absinthe, these values were below the detection limit. Total antioxidant capacity and polyphenol levels significantly increased, presenting the enriched absinthes as value-added products with enhanced bioactive content. Key aroma components remained unchanged, including terpenes fenchone and trans-anethole. Thujone concentrations complied with legal limits. The findings support the production of absinthe bitters with augmented bioactive substances without compromising key sensory attributes, offering a health-promoting alcoholic beverage.