Quality and Nutritional Status of Fresh-Cut Tomato as Affected by Spraying of Delactosed Whey Permeate Compared to Industrial Washing Treatment

The aim of this study was to examine the applicability of delactosed whey permeate (DWP) treatment on preserving the quality and antioxidant attributes of fresh-cut tomato. Tomatoes were treated with 3% DWP by dipping, spraying and a combination of both, stored at 4?°C for 10?days and compared with the industrial standard, chlorine. The combination of dipping and spraying of DWP showed the best results for all the markers tested. The combined treatment of dipping and spraying of DWP significantly lowered total counts (??1.0 log cfu/g), yeast and moulds (??1.2 log cfu/g), inhibited the loss of firmness (25%) and reduced POD activity (15%) of the tomato slices after 10?days compared to the chlorine treatment. Moreover, DWP-treated tomatoes maintained significantly (p?<?0.05) higher levels of vitamin C, total phenols and antioxidant activity (DPPH) than the chlorine-treated samples during storage. Sensory scores confirmed that DWP-treated tomatoes retained better aroma and texture. Also, the appearance and overall acceptability were higher than chlorine-treated tomatoes. Thus DWP treatment has potential to extend the shelf life of fresh-cut tomatoes.     

大蒜素提取液对鲜切山药保鲜效果的影响

为了延缓鲜切山药的褐变和品质劣变,延长保鲜期,采用超声波法提取大蒜素,分别配制0.1%、0.3%和0.5%的大蒜素保鲜液,以清水为对照(CK),在(4±1) ℃的冷藏条件下,对鲜切山药的保鲜效果进行研究。结果表明,与对照组相比,不同含量大蒜素提取液可降低鲜切山药贮藏过程中多酚氧化酶和过氧化物酶的酶活性,显著抑制鲜切山药的呼吸强度和褐变度,降低失重率和腐烂率,减少丙二醛的生成量,保持鲜切山药较好的营养品质和感官品质。其中以0.3%大蒜素提取液保鲜效果较好,与对照组相比,鲜切山药保鲜期延长了9 d左右。     

鲜切生菜在贮藏期间的微生物生长模型

主要研究了在 0℃、4℃和 2 5℃贮藏温度下鲜切生菜中细菌的生长趋势和感官质量的变化。研究结果表明 ,实验中所建立的Gompertz模型能有效地拟合在不同贮藏温度下鲜切生菜中细菌总数的动态变化 ,从而能预测不同贮藏温度下、不同贮藏时间内鲜切生菜中的细菌总数 ,为快速、有效地评估鲜切生菜的货架期和微生物安全性 ,提供了一个方便有效的方法。同时探讨了鲜切生菜中细菌总数与细胞组织腐烂的关系 ,即当细菌总数≤ 1 0 6 cfu/ g ,鲜切生菜的细胞组织不会腐烂。     

苹果多酚处理对鲜切芋艿品质的影响

为了控制鲜切芋艿贮藏过程中的褐变并延长其货架期,研究（10.0±0.5）℃条件下,蒸馏水（CK）和不同质量分数（0.3%、0.5%、0.7%）苹果多酚浸泡处理对其色泽、硬度、糖类物质含量、总酚含量、丙二醛含量及褐变相关酶活力的影响。结果表明：苹果多酚处理能够延缓芋艿切片贮藏过程中的褐变进程,其中以0.5%苹果多酚处理的效果最佳;与CK组相比,0.5%苹果多酚处理可以保持芋艿切片较好的色泽和较高的硬度,延缓苯丙氨酸解氨酶活力和总酚含量的升高,抑制芋艿过氧化物酶、多酚氧化酶、脂氧合酶活力和丙二醛含量的升高,从而延缓鲜切芋艿贮藏过程褐变的发生,保持鲜切芋艿较好的贮藏品质。     

Effectiveness of edible coatings to inhibit browning and inactivate foodborne pathogens on fresh-cut apples

Multiple formulations of edible coating solutions were developed and evaluated for their ability to maintain the quality and minimize populations of foodborne bacteria on fresh-cut apples. Fresh-cut apples were artificially inoculated with Salmonella spp., Escherichia coli O157:H7, and Listeria monocytogenes, and dip-treated with coating solutions. Changes in populations of pathogens and molds and yeasts (M&Y) were evaluated after solution treatments and during storage at 4°C for 35 days. Changes in color, texture firmness, and weight loss during storage were also determined. Among the formulations, the solution containing 1% of three organic acids (acetic, lactic, and levulinic acids), 2% N-acetyl-l-cysteine or L-cysteine with 0.5% chitosan demonstrated the best effectiveness for the simultaneous reduction of pathogenic and spoilage microorganisms, control of browning, and maintenance of the quality of fresh-cut apples. The treated apple slices had nondetectable pathogens and M&Y (<1 log CFU) and the least quality changes for 35-day storage. The developed solutions can be used at processing plants, retail stores, or homes to protect fresh-cut apples or other fresh-cut fruits and vegetables from microbiological and quality deterioration.     

PA/PE复合膜对鲜切莴笋保鲜效果的影响

为了验证尼龙-聚乙烯（polyamide/polyethylene,PA/PE）复合膜对鲜切莴笋的保鲜效果,将新鲜莴笋切片真空包装后在4 ℃条件下冷藏,不加任何包装的鲜切莴笋同样条件下作空白对照。贮藏期间评价菌落总数、色差、pH值、汁液流失率、VC含量、感官等指标。结果PA/PE组贮藏期达24 d,而不加包装的对照组只有4 d。可见对于鲜切莴笋的贮藏,PA/PE复合膜结合真空包装可明显延长其贮藏期。     

Retention of Fortified Vitamin E and Sensory Quality of Fresh-Cut Pears by Vacuum Impregnation With Honey

ABSTRACT:  Our hypothesis was that the incorporation of vitamin E into honey-based vacuum impregnation (VI) solution could be a novel approach to develop high-quality and vitamin E-fortified fresh-cut pears (D'Anjou). A 20% diluted wildflower honey VI solution was used with 0.4% to 0.8%α-tocopherol from 3 different sources: α-tocopherol-acetate (VE-acetate), free α-tocopherol (V-OH), or water-soluble α-tocopherol-acetate (VE-H₂O) for nutritional fortification of the pear slices. Fresh-cut pear slices were immersed in VI solution and subjected to a vacuum at 100 mm Hg for 15 min following atmospheric restoration for 30 min. Samples were stored at 2 °C and 88% relative humidity up to 2 wk for nutritional, physiochemical, and sensory quality evaluations. Vitamin E content of pears impregnated with honey solution containing VE-acetate, VE-OH, or VE- H₂O increased 80 to 100 times and 65% to 80% VE activities were retained during 2 wk storage. Microbial counts were under 2.6 log colony forming unit(CFU)/g pear at the end of 7 d storage, significantly lower than the industrial standard. Instrumental color analysis and sensory evaluation indicated that VE fortified pear slices had significantly higher lightness, lower browning index, and higher consumer acceptance rating than control (unfortified) ones. There is a strong Pearson correlation between instrumental analysis and consumer sensory evaluation in pear color. This study demonstrated a great potential for developing high-quality, vitamin E-fortified fresh-cut pears by use of VI technology with honey, thus further enhancing the health benefit of pears.     

Variation of microbial load and visual quality of ready-to-eat salads by vegetable type,season, processor and retailer

Microbial components and visual quality were determined on 1158 consumer units of ready-to-eat salads from several processors, two per each of 579 process lots, with residual shelf-life varying around a mode of five days, collected over 19 months in the years 2006–2008 from retail stores of two Italian cities close to a major producing and processing area. The salads were mainly baby leaf of single species (lettuce, arugula, spinach, lamb’s lettuce), with approximately 10% of the lots made up by mixes of 2–4 species. One unit per lot was analyzed on the day of collection and the other at the consume-by date. No Salmonella or Listeria monocytogenes was found (detection limit: presence in 25 g). Escherichia coli was detected in 27% of the lots (detection limit: 5 cfu/g), with probability of occurrence and counts highest in Autumn and for lettuce and arugula. Average visual quality was higher and other components of the microbial load were lower in Winter and Spring compared to Summer and Autumn (−0.6 log cfu/g of total aerobic counts, −1.3 log cfu/g of coliforms, −0.6 log cfu/g of yeasts and moulds). Lactic acid bacteria were detected more frequently in Spring and Summer (up to 50% of the lots). The rate of increase of microbial populations during shelf life was not affected by the level of initial contamination. At the consume-by date total aerobic count exceeded 7.2 log cfu/g for 50% of the lots and 7.7 log cfu/g for 25%. Salads from the biggest processor and retailer showed slightly higher visual quality scores, lower odds of E. coli occurrence and lower microbial loads. Visual quality scores showed significant negative relationships with the levels of lactic acid bacteria, coliforms and total viable counts.     

Cassava Starch Coating and Citric Acid to Preserve Quality Parameters of Fresh-Cut “Tommy Atkins” Mango

Abstract: Combination of citric acid dipping (5 g/L) and cassava starch coating (10 g/L), with and without glycerol (10 g/L), was studied to verify the effectiveness of these treatments to inhibit enzymatic browning, to reduce respiration rate, and to preserve quality parameters of “Tommy Atkins” fresh-cut mangoes during storage at 5 °C. Color characteristics (L* and C*), mechanical properties (stress at failure), weight loss, β-carotene content, sensory acceptance, and microbial growth of fruits were evaluated during 15 d. The respiration rate of fruit subjected to the treatments was also analyzed. Nontreated fresh-cut mango was used as a control sample. Cassava starch edible coatings and citric acid dipping promoted a decrease in respiration rate of mango slices, with values up to 41% lower than the control fruit. This treatment also promoted better preservation of texture and color characteristics of mangoes and delayed carotenoid formation and browning reactions during storage. Moreover, the treated fruit showed great sensory acceptance by consumers throughout the whole storage period. However, the use of glycerol in the coating formulation was not efficient in the maintenance of quality parameters of fresh-cut mangoes, promoting a higher weight loss of samples, impairing fruit texture characteristics, increasing carotenogenesis, and favoring microbial growth during storage. Practical Application: Consumer demand for tropical fresh-cut products is increasing rapidly in the world market. Fresh-cut mangoes are appreciated world-wide for its exotic flavor. However, its shelf life is limited by changes in color, texture, appearance, off-flavors and microbial growth. The edible coatings act as gas and water vapor barrier, extending the storage time of fresh-cut fruit and vegetables. Thus, cassava starch is an alternative to preserve minimally processed mangoes and the quality parameters of fresh fruit. The information of this work is useful for the fresh-cut produce industry to increase shelf life of fresh-cut mangoes, which can be considered an alternative to fast food and other ready-to-eat products, attending the demand for healthy and convenient foodstuffs.     

Quality Changes in Fresh-cut Pear Slices as Affected by Cultivar, Ripeness Stage, Fruit Size, and Storage Regime

Fresh-cut fruit slices prepared from partially ripened Bartlett pears had longer shelf life than those from Bosc, Anjou, and Red Anjou pears. Pear fruit ripeness, based on flesh firmness of 44 to 58 N, is optimal for fresh-cut pear slice processing. Pear slices derived from smaller size fruit (122 to 135 g) have greater cut surface discoloration and deteriorate more rapidly than slices derived from larger fruit (152 g). Recently harvested Bartlett pear fruit and whole pears held at –1 °C in a controlled atmosphere of 2%O₂+ 98%N₂ had a longer post-cutting shelf life than those held in air at –1 °C for the same duration. Cut surface browning, flesh softening, and surface dehydration of the slice cut surface were all contributors to loss of product quality.     

Effect of an Edible Nanomultilayer Coating by Electrostatic Self-Assembly on the Shelf Life of Fresh-Cut Mangoes

This work aims at evaluating the effect of an alginate-chitosan nanomultilayer coating, obtained by electrostatic layer-by-layer self-assembling, in the quality and shelf life of fresh-cut mangoes. Coated and uncoated fresh-cut mangoes were stored under refrigeration (8 °C) for 14 days. The changes in mass loss, titratable acidity, pH, ascorbic acid content, total soluble solids, malondialdehyde content, browning rate, and microbial count were evaluated during storage. At the end of the storage period, lower values of mass loss, pH, malondialdehyde content, browning rate, soluble solids, microorganisms’ proliferation, and higher titratable acidity were observed in the coated mangoes. The nanomultilayer coating did not improve the retention of vitamin C during storage of fresh-cut mangoes. Results suggest that chitosan-alginate nanomultilayer edible coating extends the shelf life of fresh-cut mangoes up to 8 days.     

壳聚糖降解液对鲜切莴笋的防腐保鲜效果

用常温水解壳聚糖得到的粘均相对分子质量Mv在1500～2000的降解液、结合热处理对鲜切莴笋进行保鲜试验。结果表明,采用质量分数50%的壳聚糖降解液、45℃浸泡2min的处理方法,鲜切莴笋的微生物生长以及褐变被明显抑制,在贮藏期9d内,细菌总数在106cfu/g左右,PPO活性峰值比对照降低46%,Vc含量高于对照56%,感官品质保持良好。     

Effects of chitosan-based coating and modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) on browning and shelf life of fresh-cut lotus root (Nelumbo nucifera Gaerth)

The present study investigated the effect of chitosan coating containing antibrowning agents and modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) on the browning and shelf life of fresh-cut lotus root stored at 4 °C for 10 days. The atmosphere in the packages was evaluated for O₂ and CO₂ concentrations. The browning on the surface of lotus root slices was prevented by chitosan-based coating and MAP treatment. L* values of coated + MAP and control samples were 68.8 and 48.9 after 8 days storage, respectively. For a^? and b^? values, samples of coated + MAP treatment had the slowest increasing trends among all the treatments. At the end of storage, the coated + MAP samples exhibited the lowest polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) content. Its highest overall visual quality (OVQ) scores (> 7) demonstrated that chitosan-based coating + MAP treatment could provide a better inhibitory effect on the browning and extend the shelf life of fresh-cut lotus root.Industrial relevance: Fresh-cut vegetables have drawn the attention of industry as a novel lightly processed product. Both edible coating and MAP treatment cause changes in atmosphere composition and respiration rate of lotus root slices. This combined treatment could be used to control the browning and improve the storage life of this fresh-cut vegetable. This information could be useful for the development of novel application to edible coating and MAP design for lightly processed lotus root.     

Comparison of image analysis methods to evaluate the degree of browning of fresh-cut lettuce

Digital image analysis was used to detect changes in browning of fresh-cut lettuce. Fresh-cut lettuce was divided into the 4 treatment groups of dipping in distilled water (control group); ultrasound treatment for 90 s in distilled water (US); blanching for 90 s at 45°C (BC); and blanching after ultrasound treatment (US+BC). The degree of browning was measured using image analysis, colorimetry, spectrophotometry, and visual assessment. Using image analysis, the US+BC treatment group showed the smallest browning area and lowest b* value. Correlation between visual assessment and image analysis for evaluation of the area of browning was the highest (0.9592), followed by the b* value of image analysis (0.9527). The lowest correlation coefficient (0.6962) was observed between visual assessment and the b* value using colorimetry. Image analysis can be used as a method for evaluating browning in fresh-cut lettuce.     

Effect of alternating magnetic field on the quality of fresh-cut apples in cold storage

This study evaluated the inhibitory effect of alternating magnetic field (MF) on enzymatic browning, physicochemical properties and microbial proliferation of fresh-cut apples during cold storage. The results showed that after 9-day storage, the browning index of apple slices increased by 174.07% in the conventional refrigerated group but by only 132.32% in the alternating MF group, the total number of colonies in the alternating MF group was 1.32 log CFU g⁻¹, less than that in the conventional refrigerated samples. The soluble solids and firmness of the MF group were 16.47% and 28.79% higher than those of the control group. The alternating MF significantly inhibited the activities of polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and peroxidase (POD) and exerted a significant effect on the tertiary structure of enzymes. Except for maintaining the good sensory quality, the MF also suppressed the growth of microorganisms in fresh-cut apples and extended their shelf life by at least 2 days.     

Microbiological quality of fresh, minimally-processed fruit and vegetables, and sprouts from retail establishments

A survey of fresh and minimally-processed fruit and vegetables, and sprouts was conducted in several retail establishments in the Lleida area (Catalonia, Spain) during 2005-2006 to determine whether microbial contamination, and in particular potentially pathogenic bacteria, was present under these commodities. A total of 300 samples--including 21 ready-to-eat fruits, 28 whole fresh vegetables, 15 sprout samples and 237 ready-to-eat salads containing from one to six vegetables--were purchased from 4 supermarkets. They were tested for mesophilic and psychrotrophic aerobic counts, yeasts and moulds, lactic acid bacteria, Enterobacteriaceae, presumptive E. coli and Listeria monocytogenes counts as well as for the presence of Salmonella, E. coli O157:H7, Yersinia enterocolitica and thermotolerant Campylobacter. Results for the fresh-cut vegetables that we analyzed showed that, in general, the highest microorganism counts were associated with grated carrot, arugula and spinach (7.8, 7.5 and 7.4 log cfu g(-1) of aerobic mesophilic microorganisms; 6.1, 5.8 and 5.2 log cfu g(-1) of yeast and moulds; 5.9, 4.0 and 5.1 log cfu g(-1) lactic acid bacteria and 6.2, 5.3 and 6.0 log cfu g(-1) of Enterobacteriaceae). The lowest counts were generally associated with fresh-cut endive and lettuce (6.2 and 6.3 log cfu g(-1) of aerobic mesophilic microorganisms; 4.4 and 4.6 log cfu g(-1) of yeast and moulds; 2.7 and 3.8 log cfu g(-1) lactic acid bacteria and 4.8 and 4.4 log cfu g(-1) of Enterobacteriaceae). Counts of psychrotrophic microorganisms were as high as those of mesophilic microorganisms. Microbiological counts for fresh-cut fruit were very low. Sprouts were highly contaminated with mesophilic (7.9 log cfu g(-1)), psychrotrophic microorganisms (7.3 log cfu g(-1)) and Enterobacteriaceae (7.2 log cfu g(-1)) and showed a high incidence of E. coli (40% of samples). Of the samples analyzed, four (1.3%) were Salmonella positive and two (0.7%) harboured L. monocytogenes. None of the samples was positive for E. coli O157:H7, pathogenic Y. enterocolitica or thermotolerant Campylobacter.     

Effect of Osmotic Dehydration and Pectin Edible Coatings on Quality and Shelf Life of Fresh-Cut Melon

The aim of this work was to investigate the influence of osmotic dehydration and pectin edible coating on quality parameters of fresh-cut melon. Fruits were osmodehydrated in 40°Bx sucrose solution containing 0.5% calcium lactate or dipped in 0.5% calcium lactate solutions. Then, samples were coated with 1% pectin. Melon pieces dipped in sanitizing solution (nontreated sample) were used as control. Weight loss, respiration rate, firmness, color parameters (lightness, chroma, and whiteness index), sensory acceptance, microbial growth, and structural changes of fruits were evaluated during storage at 5 °C for 14 days. The shelf life of the control sample was limited to 9 days due to microbial growth and sensory rejection, while treated samples showed a shelf life of 14 days. Higher preservation of firmness in coated samples was attributed to the action of calcium salt on melon structure, causing a strengthening of the cell wall. Calcium lactate also inhibited microbial growth along storage, improving microbiological stability of fresh-cut melon. The use of calcium lactate dips and pectin edible coatings hindered weight loss and maintained fruit color characteristics during the storage time. However, these pretreatments probably masked melon taste, reducing the sensory acceptance scores at the end of shelf life study. The combination of osmotic dehydration and pectin coatings was a good preservation alternative for fresh-cut melon, since it improved fruit sensory acceptance, promoting the reduction of product respiration rate, as well as the maintenance of quality parameters during 14 days.     

Protection of vessel permeability by genistein against lipopolysaccharide induced acute inflammation in a chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane model

Effects of dip treatments on nutritional quality preservation during the shelf life of fresh-cut tomato (Licopersicum esculentum Mill.) cv. Eufrates were investigated. Fresh-cut tomatoes were dipped in solutions of 2% ascorbic acid, citric acid, and calcium lactate for 2 min, then stored at 4°C for 20 days. Color (L*, a*, and b*), firmness, °Brix, phenolics, ascorbic acid content, antioxidant activity (DPPH), and sugars were measured during storage. Pathogen development was monitored, and a sensory evaluation was performed. Ascorbic acid was better in maintaining firmness. No treatments significantly affected °Brix, color, or sugars. Ascorbic acid maintained a higher antioxidant capacity, phenolics, and ascorbic acid content, and was better at reducing bacterial growth, while citric acid treatment was better at prevention of yeast and molds proliferation. Fresh-cut tomatoes showed good quality after 10 days of shelf life, except for flavor with the calcium lactate treatment. Ascorbic acid treatment better preserved the general and nutritional quality parameters.     

Effect of Water Jet Cutting and Moderate Heat Treatment on Quality of Fresh-Cut Red Oak Leaf Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. var. crispa)

Fresh-cut red oak leaf lettuce was produced by six different processing lines in order to assess the effect of water jet cutting (nozzle diameter 0.1 mm, pressure 2,500 bar) versus blade cutting as well as washing with cold and warm water (4 and 45 °C, 120 s) prior to and after shredding, respectively. Throughout refrigerated storage (4 °C, 12 days), O₂ and CO₂ levels in the modified atmosphere of the consumer-sized sample bags were monitored, and fresh-cut products and process water were subjected to microbiological analysis. As further quality parameters, phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) activity as well as levels of chlorophyll a and b, β-carotene and cyanidin 3-O-(6”-O-malonyl)-glucoside were determined by HPLC with diode array detection (HPLC-DAD) and HPLC coupled with diode array detection and tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-DAD-MSⁿ) throughout storage. Additionally, visual appearance and cut edge browning were assessed by sensorial evaluation and stereo microscopy on storage day 8. Microbiological quality throughout commercial shelf life was best retained by warm water washing of shredded lettuce. Furthermore, moderate heat treatment significantly reduced PAL activity and cut edge browning without affecting pigment contents and vitality of the lettuce tissue. Additionally, warm water treatment significantly lowered the microbial load in the process water. Throughout storage, water jet cutting did not affect the microbial, physiological and sensorial fresh-cut lettuce quality compared to blade cutting using a newly sharpened blade, thus indicating a similar degree of wounding due to the cutting techniques applied. The application of a pre-washing step prior to shredding was found to be suitable to reduce the risk of cross-contamination in subsequent process steps.     

Changes in appearance and natural microflora on iceberg lettuce treated in warm,chlorinated water and then stored at refrigeration temperature

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of warm, chlorinated water on the survival and subsequent growth of naturally occurring microorganisms and visual quality of fresh-cut iceberg lettuce. After dipping cut lettuce leaves in water containing 20 mg l⁻¹free chlorine for 90 s at 50°C, samples were stored at 5 or 15°C for up to 18 or 7 days, respectively. Populations of aerobic mesophiles, psychrotrophs, Enterobacteriaceae, lactic acid bacteria, and yeasts and molds were determined. The visual appearance and development of brown discoloration were monitored. Treatment of lettuce in warm (50°C) chlorinated water delayed browning of lettuce. Shelf life of lettuce stored at 5°C, as determined by subjective evaluation of color and general appearance, was about 5 days longer than that of lettuce stored at 15°C. Treatment in warm (50°) water, with or without 20 mg l⁻¹chlorine, and in chlorinated water at 20°C significantly (α= 0·05) reduced the initial population of mesophilic aerobic microflora by 1·73–1·96 log₁₀cfu g⁻¹. Populations increased, regardless of treatment, as storage time at 5°C and 15°C increased. The same trends were observed in populations of psychrotrophs and Enterobacteriaceae. Yeast populations increased slightly in lettuce stored at 5°C but were consistently about 3 logs lower than mesophilic aerobes. Populations of molds and lactic acid bacteria were less than 2 log₁₀cfu g⁻¹throughout storage at 5 or 15°C. Results suggest that heat (50°C) treatment may have delayed browning and reduced initial populations of some groups of micro-organisms naturally occurring on iceberg lettuce, but enhanced microbial growth during subsequent storage.