Abstract: A composite chitin-maifanshi clarifier was developed mainly based on chitin, a naturally occurring high molecular weight polymer. The solid clarifier was prepared as a mixture of 80-mesh maifanshi and 0.5% chitin in 1 mol/L hydrochloric acid solution at a ratio of 1:1.2 (g/mL) and used to clarify health-promoting vinegar and fruit vinegar. Stirring for 6 min at room temperature after addition of the clarifier at 1.0 g/100 mL was found optimal. When used separately, both chitin and maifanshi could clarify health-promoting vinegar and fruit vinegar. Better results were obtained using the composite clarifier as a result of the synergistic effect between chitin and maifanshi. Clarified health-promoting vinegar was a transparent amber-color liquid. Fruit vinegar could be better clarified by the composite clarifier than health-promoting vinegar. Moreover, little effect on the nutrient composition of fruit vinegar was observed. These results demonstrate that the composite clarifier is an excellent clarifier.

Key words: chitin, maifanshi, clarification, health-promoting vinegar, fruit vinegar