Behavior of Listeria monocytogenes inoculated on cantaloupe surfaces and efficacy of washing treatments to reduce transfer from rind to fresh-cut pieces

Attachment and survival of Listeria monocytogenes on external surfaces (rind) of inoculated cantaloupe, resistance of the surviving bacteria to chlorine or hydrogen peroxide treatments, transfer of the pathogen from unsanitized and sanitized rinds to fresh-cut tissues during cutting and growth, and survival of L. monocytogenes on fresh-cut pieces of cantaloupe were investigated. Surface treatment with 70% ethanol to reduce the native microflora on treated melon, followed by immersion in a four-strain cocktail of L monocytogenes (10(8) CFU/ml) for 10 min, deposited 4.2 log10 CFU/cm2 and 3.5 log10 CFU/cm2 of L monocytogenes on treated and untreated cantaloupe rinds, respectively. L. monocytogenes survived on the treated or untreated cantaloupe rinds for up to 15 days during storage at 4 and 20 degrees C, but populations declined by approximately 1 to 2 log10 CFU/cm2. Fresh-cut pieces prepared from inoculated whole cantaloupes stored at 4 degrees C for 24 h after inoculation were positive for L. monocytogenes. Washing inoculated whole cantaloupes in solutions containing 1,000 ppm of chlorine or 5% hydrogen peroxide for 2 min at 1 to 15 days of storage at 4 degrees C after inoculation resulted in a 2.0- to 3.5-log reduction in L. monocytogenes on the melon surface. Fresh-cut pieces prepared from the sanitized melons were negative for L. monocytogenes. After direct inoculation onto fresh-cut pieces, L. monocytogenes survived, but did not grow, during 15 days of storage at 4 degrees C. Growth was evident by 4 h of storage at 8 and 20 degrees C. It is concluded that sanitizing with chlorine or hydrogen peroxide has the potential to reduce or eliminate the transfer of L. monocytogenes on melon surfaces to fresh-cut pieces during cutting.     

不同甜瓜品种鲜切加工特性评价

以网纹(中蜜55号、华蜜2号)、光皮(中蜜116、玉金香)两个类型甜瓜共4个品种为实验材料,分别测定其产量及采收后贮藏(10℃)0、14、28d时的硬度、可溶性固形物含量、感官品质、VC含量及出品率,实验结果采用灰色关联度分析方法进行综合评价。结果表明：供试甜瓜品种用于鲜切加工的优先排序依次为华蜜2号、中蜜55号、中蜜116和玉金香,其中华蜜2号在采摘初期表现出产量高、感官品质好、VC含量高的特点,中蜜55号呈现出产量高、品质较好、耐贮性好的特征。     

1-甲基环丙烯处理对采后甜瓜活性氧代谢的影响

研究1- 甲基环丙烯(1-MCP)处理对甜瓜(Cucuis melo L.ssp.melo pang)果实在贮藏过程中对其活性氧(reactive oxygen species,ROS)相关代谢的影响,在室温 (22～25℃)条件下,用1μL/L 1-MCP 处理早熟甜瓜“早黄蜜” 24h,贮藏于22℃,对果实中活性氧代谢的相关酶：超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、过氧化氢酶(CAT)、过氧化物酶(POD)的活性及超氧阴离子(O2 － ·)和丙二醛(MDA)含量进行测定。结果表明：1-MCP 处理抑制了甜瓜果实CAT 活性的下降,贮藏前期提高了SOD 活性,促进POD 活性迅速升高,并使其在第4 天达到峰值,贮藏过程高于对照果实。1-MCP 处理可显著降低果实中O2 － ·的产生速率,抑制MDA 的产生,延缓甜瓜果实采后衰老。     

Carrot browning on simulated market shelf and during cold storage

Browning index, degree of browning, total phenolics content and polyphenoloxidase (PPO) activity of three carrot cultivars—Kendo, Ricardo and Stefano—were studied on a simulated market shelf (20 °C) and during cold storage (4 °C). There was a general increase in browning indices and degree of browning during simulated marketing storage for all three cultivars. The three cultivars had similar levels of browning after cold storage but Ricardo reached the highest level after 10 days of simulated shelf life. There appeared to be a rapid increase in total phenolics content during cold storage, which increased further during a simulated marketing trial. The PPO activities of Kendo and Stefano decreased during cold storage whereas that of Ricardo increased, reaching its highest level after 2 months in cold storage. A positive and significant correlation between total phenolics and degree of browning was found for all three cultivars stored for different lengths of time. This research suggests that shorter periods of cold storage reduce the potential for carrot browning and hence prolong the shelf life of carrots. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry     

SHORT‐TERM CONTROLLED ATMOSPHERE STORAGE FOR STORAGE‐LIFE EXTENSION OF WHITE‐FLESHED PEACHES AND NECTARINES1

Abstract Response of white‐fleshed peaches (‘Sugar Lady’, ‘Snow Giant’, ‘White Lady’and ‘Snow King’) and nectarines (‘Arctic Queen’and ‘Arctic Rose’) to controlled‐atmosphere (CA) storage is cultivar dependent. Samples of fruit of these six cultivars were collected just prior to commercial harvest and held in either regular‐atmosphere (RA) storage at 1C or controlled‐atmosphere (CA) storage at 2% O₂ and 6, 12 or 18% CO₂, all at 1C. Four of the six cultivars (‘Snow Giant’, ‘White Lady’, ‘Snow King’and ‘Arctic Queen’) displayed excessive internal browning and poor flesh color after only 30 days of storage and should not be considered for long storage (+30 days). While ‘Sugar Lady’and ‘Arctic Rose’performed better and are possible candidates for CA storage, they should not be stored more than 45 days after harvest. The value of CA storage to extend the marketing of white‐fleshed peaches and nectarines is questionable at best. If CA storage is to be used for storage‐life extension of white‐fleshed peaches and nectarines, O₂ level should be maintained at 2% or less and CO₂ level maintained at 12% or higher.     

Comparative study of improved vs. traditional apple cultivars and their aptitude to be minimally processed as ‘ready to eat’ apple wedges

The development of fresh-cut apple products requires the reconsideration of cultivar selection because different characteristics are required compared with those characteristics for the fresh market. The aim of this work was to evaluate four improved cultivars (‘Modì’, ‘Ariane’, ‘Fuji Kiku 8’ and ‘Pink Lady’) and to compare these cultivars with traditional cultivars (‘Golden Smoothee’ and ‘Granny Smith’). Cultivars were evaluated according to physicochemical parameters and nutritional, enzymatic, and sensory aspects. Next, the cultivars were peeled, cut, treated with different antioxidant treatments, packaged in polypropylene trays and stored at 4 °C. After seven days of storage, physicochemical parameters and visual assessment were determined. As whole apples, the improved cultivars were notable for their sensory characteristics. Moreover, two of them (‘Modì’ and ‘Ariane’) presented the highest amount of total phenols and vitamin C, respectively. After processing and storage, certain of the improved cultivars presented better aptitude for minimal processing. For instance, ‘Modì’ showed high suitability, and ‘Fuji Kiku 8’ was notable for its sensory quality after seven days of refrigerated storage. Among antioxidant treatments that were assayed, 40 g/L NatureSeal^® demonstrated the best results in terms of physicochemical parameters, visual assessment and sensory quality.     

Effects of radiation process on total protein and amino acids composition of raw and processed pearl millet flour during storage

The present work describes radiation‐induced effects during storage on total protein and amino acids composition of raw and processed flour of two pearl millet cultivars (Ashana and Dembi). The protein content of the whole raw flour was 14.46% and 13.38% for Ashana and Dembi cultivars, respectively. Dehulling of the grains reduced the protein content to 13.38% and 12.67% for the cultivars, respectively. Storage of the radiated whole and dehulled flour for 60 days slightly reduced the protein content even after cooking. The effect of radiation process in combination with the treatments applied to the grains and/or flour on amino acids contents was found to be varying between the cultivars. Most of the amino acids were stable against all treatments except leucine, glutamic acid and phenylalanine. Regardless of the storage period and processing method, amino acid contents of Ashana cultivar were increased after radiation process compared to that of Dembi cultivar.     

Developmental changes in storage proteins and peptidyl prolyl cis–trans isomerase activity in grains of different wheat cultivars

In the present study, storage proteins from five different wheat cultivars were extracted, fractionated and evaluated for their accumulation at different stages of development. SDS–PAGE analysis revealed that the accumulation of high molecular weight glutenin subunits was cultivar and stage dependent. However, low molecular weight glutenin subunits’ accumulation was not altered significantly after 16 days post anthesis in any of the cultivars. The rheological parameters (storage- and loss-modulus) of dough and gluten showed close association with either gliadins or glutenins. Peptidyl prolyl cis–trans isomerase (PPIase) activity, measured at different stages of grains development, showed variability with both the developmental stage and cultivar, and appeared to be primarily due to cyclophilins. Principal component analysis revealed the association of PPIase activity with either gliadin or total proteins, suggesting their significant role in the deposition of storage proteins in wheat.     

POSTHARVEST QUALITY AND SENSORY ATTRIBUTES OF ‘BYRONGOLD’ AND ‘RUBYSWEET’ PLUMS1

Fruit from two new cultivars of plums, ‘Byrongold’ and ‘Rubysweet’ were harvested at three maturities. Maturity one and two were ripened for three and six days at 20C and 85% relative humidity to determine fruit quality characteristics during storage. Plums were separated into three maturity categories by delayed light emission. Fruit size, weight, hue angle, flesh firmness, soluble solids and concentration of sugars, organic acids and sensory attributes were determined to evaluate stroage quality of the fruit. Significant differences were found between cultivars for sucrose, glucose, fructose and sorbitol. Sugar concentrations varied within the same cultivar by maturity and storage times. In general, acid levels decreased as plums ripened. Panelists preferred “Byrongold” ripened for three days for tartness and juiciness and “Byrongold” ripened for six days for sweetness. “Rubysweet” ripened for three days was preferred for sweetness, tartness and juiciness. Significant differences were found in peel bitterness between cultivars and days ripened. Unripened maturity 2 ‘Byrongold’ and unripenedd maturity 3 ‘Rubysweet’ had the highest peel bitterness. Hedonic scores showed ‘Rubysweet’.     

Effects of Boiling and Storage on Dietary Fibre and Digestible Carbohydrates in Various Cultivars of Carrots

The influence of boiling and storage on dietary fibre and digestible carbohydrates was investigated in eight different carrot cultivars. The content of total dietary fibre was in the range 252–291 g kg^-1 DW and was generally at the higher end for the early cultivars and at the lower end for the late ones. During storage, there was a decrease in the soluble fibre content in all cultivars and generally an increase in insoluble fibre. Following boiling, the loss of dietary fibre varied considerably between cultivars. After storage, the loss could be correlated to the average root weight of the carrot cultivars. The total content of glucose, fructose and sucrose was rather similar in the various cultivars, whereas their individual distribution differed. Storage had generally minor influence on the sugar content, except in the cultivars Amarant and Bull. On boiling, the loss was solely dependent on the initial sugar concentration. After storage the loss increased, which could be related to the lower dry matter content. The choice of cultivar and storage time is important in interpreting analytical data from carrots and is probably of similar significance in other vegetables when studying effects of heat treatment. © 1997 SCI.     

RHEOLOGICAL AND TEXTURAL CHARACTERISTICS OF RAW AND PAR-COOKED TAEWA (MAORI POTATOES) OF NEW ZEALAND

The quality characteristics of raw and par-cooked (partially cooked) tubers from four different Taewa cultivars were evaluated and compared with a modern potato cultivar (Nadine). Significant differences in dry matter, starch content, color and specific gravity were observed among the raw tubers from the different cultivars. Moemoe and Tutaekuri Taewa cultivars showed higher dry matter content (21.97 and 21.57%, respectively) whereas the lowest specific gravity of 1.057 was observed for Nadine. Par-cooked chef-ready tubers were prepared from each cultivar and evaluated for quality during 21 days of storage at 4C. Tutaekuri raw as well as par-cooked tubers had higher fracturability and hardness whereas Nadine par-cooked tubers had higher adhesiveness than other cultivars. Rheological parameters such as storage modulus ( G' ), loss modulus and loss tangent (tan δ ) were dependent on the dry matter and starch contents of the tubers. The highest peak G' values of 24,930 Pa and 19,700 Pa were observed for Tutaekuri and Moemoe potato cultivars, respectively.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Ready-to-microwave par-cooked tubers with a refrigerated shelf life of 21 days were developed without using any chemical preservatives. The rheology of the tuber tissue was studied using a dynamic rheometer for the first time. The technique allows the continuous monitoring of the changes occurring in the potato tissue during the heating and cooling cycles. Significant correlations between the textural characteristics of raw and cooked tubers and the dynamic rheological characteristics of fresh tubers were observed. The technique may be helpful in predicting the viscoelastic characteristics of raw potatoes and the changes in the texture of cooked tubers during refrigerated storage.     

Effect of oxygen on aroma volatiles and quality of fresh-cut cantaloupe and honeydew melons

Cantaloupe and honeydew melon cultivars were processed and stored under a high oxygen passive modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) or reduced oxygen controlled atmosphere (CA; 5 kPa O₂ + 10 kPa CO₂ and balance N₂) for 14 days at 5 °C. Atmosphere did not affect softening rate or soluble solids content and had a negligible effect on colour. Volatile compounds known as flavour-important in melons were extracted using stir bar sorptive extraction (SBSE) and quantified via GC–MS. Acetate esters increased more in MAP than in CA. Non-acetate esters increased markedly in both cultivars and storage types. Alcohols were more abundant in honeydew than in cantaloupe. Aldehydes decreased during storage in both cultivars and storage types. Lower O₂ availability under CA conditions likely suppressed some of the esters relevant to the aroma of fresh-cut melon. Results suggest that package O₂ levels are more important in determining aroma than other quality attributes of fresh-cut melon, and high O₂ levels may be required to reveal desirable aroma compounds.     

Effects of Storage Conditions on Quality and Shelf-life of Fresh-cut Melon (Cucumis Melo L.) and Papaya (Carica Papaya L.)

This research were study physical and chemical changes of fresh-cut melon and papaya on different storage and shelf-life evaluation of products. Fresh-cut melon and papaya was kept at the different storage temperature conditions with observed on physical characteristics of texture and color of their flesh and measured of chemical characteristics on water content, sucrose content, acidity, vitamin C, and total carotene. Physical and chemical changes were observed on fresh-cut melon and papaya under different storage conditions.Fresh-cut products stored in lower temperature on ±14-15 °C had optimum shelf-life of 4 days for melon and 3 days for papaya.     

Effect of hot water and hydrogen peroxide treatments on survival of salmonella and microbial quality of whole and fresh-cut cantaloupe

Cantaloupe melon has been associated with outbreaks of salmonellosis. Contamination might be introduced into the flesh from the rind by cutting or by contact of cut pieces with contaminated rinds. Our objectives were to investigate the efficacy of hot water or hot 5% hydrogen peroxide treatments in reducing the population of native microflora and inoculated Salmonella on cantaloupe rind and transfer to fresh-cut tissue during cutting. Whole cantaloupes, inoculated with a cocktail of Salmonella serovars to give 4.6 log CFU/cm2 and stored at 5 or 20 degrees C for up to 5 days, were treated with hot water (70 or 97 degrees C) or 5% hydrogen peroxide (70 degrees C) for 1 min at 0, 1, 3, or 5 days postinoculation. Aerobic mesophilic bacteria and yeast and mold on treated whole melon and fresh-cut pieces were significantly (P < 0.05) reduced by all three treatments. Treatments with hot water (70 and 97 degrees C) caused a 2.0- and 3.4-log CFU/cm2 reduction of Salmonella on whole cantaloupe surfaces irrespective of days of postinoculation storage prior to treatment up to 5 days at 5 or 20 degrees C, respectively. Treatment with 5% hydrogen peroxide (70 degrees C) caused a 3.8-log CFU/cm2 reduction of Salmonella. Fresh-cut pieces prepared from untreated inoculated melons and those treated with 70 degrees C hot water were positive for Salmonella. However, fresh-cut pieces prepared from inoculated whole melon dipped in water (97 degrees C) or hydrogen peroxide (70 degrees C) for 60 s were negative for Salmonella, as determined by dilution plating onto agar medium, but were positive after enrichment at days 3 and 5 of storage at 5 degrees C. The ability to detect Salmonella in fresh-cut pieces was dependent on the initial level of inoculation. The results of this study indicate that the use of hot water (97 degrees C) or heated hydrogen peroxide to reduce the population of Salmonella on contaminated whole cantaloupes will enhance the microbial safety of the fresh-cut product.     

Suitability for minimal processing of non‐melting clingstone peaches

Clingstone non‐melting peach cultivars (Prunus persica L. Batsch) are used primarily for canning, but their processing as fresh‐cut products is also of interest. Four clingstone peach cultivars (‘Andross’, ‘Babygold 8′, ‘Calante’ and ‘Romea’) were evaluated for their suitability for minimal processing (washing, peeling and slicing) followed by storage for 9 days at 4 °C in a modified atmosphere using microperforated films. Romea cultivar, which has low polyphenol oxidase (PPO) enzymatic activity, proved to be the most suitable cultivar for minimal processing, given its lower degree of browning as well as the results from a sensory evaluation. Maturity indicators varied slightly during storage at a different degree depending on cultivars. We have found that PPO activity and browning potential are adequate indicators for surface browning in fresh‐cut non‐melting peaches.     

STORAGE-INDUCED HARDENING IN 20 COMMON BEAN CULTIVARS

Twenty cultivars of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) varying in color and size were grown in three consecutive growing seasons at different locations and then stored for 6 months at 30°C/85% RH to induce hardening. Bean hardness was measured instrumentally following soaking and cooking. All cultivars increased in hardness during storage by a factor ranging from 1.54 to 2.47. Significant sources of variation in hardness included cultivar, environment and, largest, cultivar × environment interaction. Of the various chemical and physical tests conducted on beans before and after storage, those important in determining final hardness included fluorescence intensity (a predictor of a phenol polymerization-type reaction), phytate level, seed volume (larger cultivars hardened less) and water relationships (storage reduced the amount of bound water). The amount of water absorbed following storage was related to cultivar color, seed volume and hilum area but not seed coat thickness.     

A novel instrument to delineate varietal and harvest effects on blueberry fruit texture during storage

BACKGROUND: Firmness is an important quality index for blueberries. It is the major factor that determines consumer acceptability, storability and resistance to injury and diseases during storage and fresh marketing. Blueberry cultivars vary in their firmness, with southern highbush cultivars usually softer than Rabbiteye blueberries. In this study, varietal and harvest effects on blueberry firmness were measured by the Firmtech II and laser air‐puff instruments. This was the first time that the laser air‐puff, a non‐contact food firmness tester, had been used for firmness testing of small fruit, such as blueberry. RESULTS: Two southern highbush cultivars (Sweet Crisp and Emerald) and two Rabbiteye cultivars (Vernon and Savory) were used for varietal effect measurement, while a Rabbiteye cultivar (Premier) that was both machine and hand harvested was used for harvest effect observation. Fifty berry samples per replicate and four replicates were tested by two instruments at harvest and after 7, 14, or 21 days of storage. The laser air‐puff tester successfully delineated the difference in firmness due to cultivar characteristics and harvest methods, as well as the firmness loss over 21 days of postharvest cold storage (4 °C). The firmness index derived from the laser air‐puff tester achieved a significant correlation with the firmness values measured by the Firmtech (R² = 0.80). A new texture index, springiness, was developed from the laser air‐puff, which largely reflects the varietal differences in elasticity of fruit. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated the efficacy of the laser air‐puff instrument for blueberry firmness measurement. This non‐contact instrument not only provides an alternative method of firmness measurement, but also offers a new index for fruit elasticity evaluation and better texture evaluation for blueberries. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

EFFECT of HEAT TREATMENT ON FIRMNESS of APPLES and APPLE SLICES

Effects of heat treatment on firmness of apples (Golden Delicious, McIntosh and Delicious) and apple slices were studied. Heat treatment (45C, for 1.75 h) of Golden Delicious and Delicious apples significantly increased their firmness, but no significant increase was observed for the McIntosh cultivar. After storage for 7 days at 2C, the treated apples were firmer than those stored at 10, 18, and 25C. Apple slices prepared from the heat treated apples were also firmer at 21 days storage than those prepared from nontreated apples: differences ranging from 12% for McIntosh to 48% for Delicious. This beneficial firming effect of heat treatment might have application in producing high quality minimally processed slices from Golden Delicious and Delicious apple cultivars.     

高压二氧化碳处理对鲜切哈密瓜微生物与品质的影响

本实验以哈密瓜为原料,优化了清洗工艺,研究了高压二氧化碳（high pressure carbon dioxide,HPCD） 处理对鲜切哈密瓜贮藏期间（4 ℃避光贮藏8 d）微生物（菌落总数、霉菌和酵母菌总数）、感官指标（质量损失 率、质构、感官评价）、品质指标（可溶性固形物含量、pH值、VC含量）、酶（多酚氧化酶（polyphenoloxidase, PPO）、过氧化物酶）活力的影响。本研究首先确定了强酸电解水清洗25 min为最佳清洗工艺,清洗后鲜切哈密 瓜的菌落总数下降了0.81（lg（CFU/g））。2.5、3.5、4.5 MPa处理8 min后的鲜切哈密瓜在贮藏期间微生物数量显 著增加,PPO活力上升,且在贮藏8 d时,质量、硬度和VC含量分别下降了16.45%～42.70%、30.38%～48.97%和 96.25%～96.73%。本研究为HPCD技术应用于鲜切哈密瓜加工提供了理论依据。     

SHELF-LIFE AND QUALITY OF‘NAVAHO’ AND ‘SHAWNEE’ BLACKBERRY FRUIT STORED UNDER RETAIL STORAGE CONDITIONS1

The quality of soft-fruited (‘Shawnee’) and firm-fruited (‘Navaho’) blackberry cultivars held under simulated retail conditions was determined. Leakage and decay increased during storage and exceeded 20% in 'Shawnee’ fruit after 14 days at 2C or 7 days at 5C, while ‘Navaho’ held under similar conditions was still marketable (<10% decay). Transferring fruit to 20C for 2 days after low temperature storage intervals was detrimental to fruit quality, resulting in increased weight loss, leakage, decay and softening in both cultivars. After retail warming, ‘Shawnee’ fruit lost 25% of marketable fruit while‘Navaho’ had a 10% loss. Soluble solids concentration did not change significantly during storage, but titratable acidity declined 40–50%. Anthocyanin content increased from 20–100% depending on cultivar, storage temperature and storage intervals. The sugar composition of blackberries before storage was about 10, 260 and 260 mg/g dry weight, glucose, and fructose, respectively. Sucrose and glucose decreased and fructose increased slightly during storage. Warming fruit after low temperature storage did not accelerate loss of total sugars. If held constantly at 2C, ‘Navaho’ could be held 21 days.