Modified method for the determination of pyruvic acid with dinitrophenylhydrazine in the assessment of onion pungency

Modifications to the commonly used Schwimmer and Weston procedure for determining pyruvic acid in onions are proposed. These modifications involve changes in the concentrations and volumes of the reagents and the use of 515 rather than 420 nm as the wavelength for measurements. These changes improve both the linearity and the sensitivity of the assay and eliminate interference from coloured material found in yellow onions. With these changes, more reliable determinations of pyruvic acid and thus of onion pungency should be possible. Copyright © 2003 Society of Chemical Industry