Radiation preservation of foods of plant origin. III. Tropical fruits: bananas, mangoes, and papayas

The current status of research on the use of ionizing radiation for shelf life improvement and disinfestation of fresh tropical fruits like bananas, mangoes, and papayas are reviewed. The aspects covered are influence of maturity and physiological state of the fruits on delayed ripening and tolerance to radiation; varietal responses; changes in chemical constituents, volatiles, respiration, and ethylene evolution; biochemical mechanisms of delayed ripening and browning of irradiated fruits; and organoleptic quality. The efficacy of the combination of hot water dip and radiation treatments for control of postharvest fungal diseases are considered. The immediate potential of radiation as a quarantine treatment, in place of the currently used chemical fumigants, for disinfestation of fruit flies and mango seed weevil are discussed. Future prospects for irradiation of tropical fruits are discussed in the light of experience gained from studies conducted in different countries.     

Radiation preservation of foods of plant origin. Part V. Temperate fruits: pome fruits, stone fruits, and berries

The current status of research on the application of ionizing radiation for improving the storage of temperate fruits, i.e., apple, pear, peach, nectarine, apricot, cherry, plum, strawberry, bilberry, cranberry, raspberry, and black currant, is reviewed. Changes in fruit metabolism, chemical composition, texture, and organoleptic quality attributes are discussed with reference to the irradiation dose. The feasibility of using radiation either alone or in conjunction with heat treatment, refrigeration, and controlled atmospheres (CA) for the control of storage decay caused by fungal pathogens is considered. Areas of further research are suggested before irradiation could be considered for practical application in some of these temperate fruits. The recent trends in the possible use of irradiation for disinfestation of certain pome and stone fruits and the prospects for the commercial utilization of irradiation for improving the market life of strawberries are discussed.     

RESPIRATION OF GAMMA-IRRADIATED FRESH FRUITS

SUMMARY —The effects of ionizing irradiation with gamma rays on respiration of fresh fruits of avocado, sour sop, mango, yellow passion fruit and papaya were investigated. Respiratory response of these fruits, irradiated in the preclimacteric stage, is characterized by an initial increase in CO₂ liberation followed by a decrease prior to the onset of the climacteric rise associated with ripening. An inverse relationship between the magnitude of the initial increase in respiration and the degree of tolerance to irradiation is indicated, e.g., the avocados, the least tolerant of the fruits investigated, exhibits the greatest initial increase in respiration, and the papayas, the most tolerant, produce the smallest initial increase in respiration. The five fruits studied may thusly be categorized in order of increasing tolerance to irradiation: avocados, sour sop, mangoes, yellow passion fruit and papayas. This category also represents a decreasing order of magnitude of the initial increase in respiration due to irradiation.     

Radiation preservation of foods of plant origin. Part VI. Mushrooms, tomatoes, minor fruits and vegetables, dried fruits, and nuts

In this concluding article in the series on the technological feasibility of ionizing radiation treatment for shelf life improvement of fruits and vegetables, the present status of research on several commodities that have not been dealt with earlier is discussed. The commodities include mushrooms, tomatoes, pineapples, lychees, longans, rambutans, mangostenes, guavas, sapotas, loquats, ber, soursops, passion fruits, persimmons, figs, melons, cucumbers, aubergines, globe artichokes, endives, lettuce, ginger, carrots, beet roots, turnips, olives, dates, chestnuts, almonds, pistachios, and other dried fruits and nuts. Changes induced by irradiation on metabolism, chemical constituents, and organoleptic qualities are considered while evaluating the shelf life. The commodities have been grouped into those showing potential benefits and those not showing any clear advantages from radiation treatment. Shelf life improvement of mushrooms and insect disinfestation in dried fruits, nuts, and certain fresh fruits appears to have immediate potential for commercial application.     

Citrus fruits. Part II. Chemistry,technology, and quality evaluation. C. quality evaluation

In Part II of this review on citrus fruits, the literature on chemistry, technology, and quality evaluation are critically considered. Sweet oranges, mandarin, grapefruit, lemon and lime are generally used for processing. The literature on chemical components of citrus fruits reviewed and discussed in Section A includes the following: sugars, polysaccharides, organic acids, nitrogenous constituents, and lipids; carotenoids which contribute to color; vitamins and minerals, and flavonoids; limonoids, some of which impart bitterness to the juice, and the volatile components which contribute to aroma. Chilled and pasteurized juices, juice concentrates, and beverages are the important products manufactured commercially, and to a limited extent powdered citrus juices, canned segments, and marmalades. The literature on the manufacture of these products as well as new types of juice and oil extractors, TASTE, and other types of evaporators, tank farms to store juice and concentrate in bulk, aseptic filling in bulk containers and retail packs, alternate flexible and rigid containers other than glass and tin and recovery of volatile flavoring constituents during juice processing are some of the important technological developments in the recent past which were discussed in Section B. Bitterness in citrus juices and its control, composition of cloud and its stability, and changes during storage have been reviewed. Essential oils, pectin, frozen and dried juice sacs, dried pulp and molasses, flavonoids, seed oil, and meal are the important by‐products, the manufacture of which is given in essential details. Generally, consumers judge the product on the basis of its sensory attributes. The quality of the finished products is dependent upon the raw materials used and control of processes. In this section, the USDA standards for different products, physico‐chemical and microbiological parameters prescribed as indices of quality of fruit, juice, concentrate, and other products, composition of essential oils, and aroma concentrates are discussed in relation to sensory quality. Analytical methods for compounds affecting quality and methods for detection of adulteration in different citrus products are briefly reviewed. The importance of sensorily evaluating quality of citrus products to select and develop quality control indices is emphasized. Areas where further research is required are indicated. A comprehensive bibliography is provided to aid further study and research.     

Citrus essential oils: Extraction,authentication and application in food preservation

Citrus EOs is an economic, eco-friendly and natural alternatives to chemical preservatives and other synthetic antioxidants, such as sodium nitrites, nitrates or benzoates, commonly utilized in food preservation. Citrus based EOs is obtained mainly from the peels of citrus fruits which are largely discarded as wastes and cause environmental problems. The extraction of citrus oils from the waste peels not only saves environment but can be used in various applications including food preservation. The present article presents elaborated viewpoints on the nature and chemical composition of different EOs present in main citrus varieties widely grown across the globe; extraction, characterization and authentication techniques/methods of the citrus EOs; and reviews the recent advances in the application of citrus EOs for the preservation of fruits, vegetables, meat, fish and processed food stuffs. The probable reaction mechanism of the EOs based thin films formation with biodegradable polymers is presented. Other formulation, viz., EOs microencapsulation incorporating biodegradable polymers, nanoemulsion coatings, spray applications and antibacterial action mechanism of the active compounds present in the EOs have been elaborated. Extensive research is required on overcoming the challenges regarding allergies and obtaining safer dosage limits. Shift towards greener technologies indicate optimistic future towards safer utilization of citrus based EOs in food preservation.     

Citrus fruits — varieties,chemistry, technology,and quality evaluation. Part I: Varieties,production, handling,and storage

In part I of this comprehensive critical review on citrus fruits, the origin, botany, and classification are briefly discussed. The present status of citrus breeding with the objectives of overcoming the serious problems of die‐back and other disastrous diseases, and of producing varieties having a long harvesting period and giving a higher yield of high quality fruits, have been critically reviewed. Factors affecting the fruit quality such as rootstock, climate, and nutrition are reviewed generally with reference to established types of citrus fruits. World citrus production data has been carefully collected and presented both country‐wise and fruit‐wise to show the enormous growth and potential. Changes in composition during growth and maturation are presented with the view to fixing maturity and quality parameters and standards. Harvesting, handling, transportation, and storage aspects have been reviewed from the standpoint of optimal maintenance of quality of fruits intended for processing as well as for sale as fresh table fruit. The current problems that demand early solution have been highlighted. The succeeding parts will review chemistry, processing, and evaluation of quality.     

新型柑橘贮藏保鲜剂的研究进展

柑橘类果实在贮藏运输中果实表面易被腐败菌浸染而导致货架期和贮藏时间缩短,柑橘的贮藏保鲜方法一直以来都是业界关注的热点问题。本文介绍几种具有无毒、可生物降解、对环境无污染等特点的新型杀菌保鲜方法,其中包括动植物多糖涂膜保鲜（壳寡糖）、植物源提取物保鲜（精油）、生物保鲜剂（微生物代谢产物槐糖脂和拮抗菌）等处理方法。综合分析不同处理方法对柑橘类果实的贮藏效果及其对腐败菌的抑制作用,并对柑橘类果实采后防腐保鲜技术的发展趋势及其商业化前景进行展望。     

Effects of gamma irradiation on quality of Pakistani blood red oranges (Citrus sinensis L. Osbeck)

Effect of gamma irradiation and washing on physicochemical and sensory quality of blood red oranges was investigated. The citrus fruits were packed in cellophane bags and stored at room temperature for 42 days. Two gamma irradiation doses 0.25 and 0.5 kGy alone and in combination with washing were applied to the fruits. Weight loss decreased with gamma irradiation and increased with washing during storage. Acidity and ascorbic acid values were higher for the oranges irradiated at 0.5 kGy and minimum for the washed oranges. Generally, total soluble solids (TSS) increased during the storage period. However, washed samples had the highest concentration and 0.5 kGy-irradiated samples had the lowest TSS at the end of the storage period. Sensory quality qualify by appearance, odour and taste are decreased during storage in both treatments. However, the fruits were still acceptable by the trained observers. It can be inferred from this study that irradiation at 0.5 kGy or in combination with washing is an effective post-harvest technique in keeping the changes in physicochemical and sensory quality to a minimum level during storage.     

Gelatine–starch films: Physicochemical properties and their application in extending the post‐harvest shelf life of avocado (Persea americana)

BACKGROUND: Several storage techniques have been developed to extend the post‐harvest shelf life of horticultural products. One method involves the use of edible or biodegradable coatings. Such coatings are made of biological materials that are used to coat fresh products, providing a semi‐permeable barrier to water vapour and gases, e.g. O₂ and CO₂. The influence of starch concentration, glycerol content and pH on the carbon dioxide permeability (CO₂P) and mechanical properties of gelatine–starch edible films were evaluated. RESULTS: Results showed that increments in the starch concentration and pH resulted in higher CO₂P values. Film puncture strength increased when the starch concentration decreased and the maximum resistance value (32.6 N) was obtained at pH 6. Deformation was mainly affected by glycerol and starch content. Some films were chosen in order to evaluate their effect, as coatings, in the post‐harvest shelf life of avocados (Persea americana Mill c.v. Hass). Fruits were immersed in the coating solutions, air dried and stored at two temperatures. Changes in colour, weight loss and pulp firmness were determined in fruits stored at 6 °C. In addition, respiration rate was measured in avocados kept at 20 °C. CONCLUSION: The application of gelatine–starch coatings delayed the ripening process of avocados, as indicated by a better pulp firmness and retention of skin colour, and lower weight loss of coated fruits in comparison with control avocados. The coatings also resulted in a delayed respiratory climacteric pattern, by 3 days, for coated fruits. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry     

Citrus fruits--varieties, chemistry, technology, and quality evaluation. Part II. Chemistry, technology, and quality evaluation. A. Chemistry

In Part 2 of this review on citrus fruits, the literature on chemistry, technology, and quality evaluation are critically considered. Sweet oranges, mandarin, grapefruit, lemon, and lime are generally used for processing. The literature on chemical components of citrus fruit which include sugars, polysaccharides, oraganic acids, nitrogenous constituents and lipids; carotenoids which contribute to color; vitamins and minerals, and flavonoids; limonoids, some of which impart bitterness to the juice; and the volatile components which contribute to aroma have been reviewed. Chilled and pasteurized juices, juice concentrates, and beverages are the important products manufactured commercially, and to a limited extent powdered citrus juices, canned segments, and marmalades. The literature on the manufacture of these products also as new types of juice and oil extractors; TASTE and other types of evaporators; tank farms to store juice and concentrate in bulk; aseptic filling in bulk containers and retail packs; alternate flexible and rigid containers other than glass and tin; and recovery of volatile flavoring constituents during juice processing are some of the important technological developments in the recent past and have been discussed. Bitterness in citrus juices and its control, composition of cloud, and its stability and changes during storage have been reviewed. Essential oils, pectin, frozen and dried juice sacs, dried pulp and molasses, flavonoids, seed oil, and meal are the important byproducts, the manufacture of which is given in essential details. Generally, consumers judge the product on the basis of its sensory attributes. The quality of finished product is dependent upon the raw materials used and control of processes. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) standards for different products, physicochemical and microbiological parameters prescribed as indices of quality of fruit, juice, concentrate, and other products; composition of essential oils; and aroma concentrates are discussed in relation to sensory quality. Analytical methods for compounds affecting quality, and methods for detection of adulteration in different citrus products are briefly reviewed. The importance of sensorily evaluating quality of citrus products to select and develop quality control indices is emphasized. Areas where further research are required are indicated. A comprehensive bibliography is provided to aid further study and research.     

Citrus phenylpropanoids and defence against pathogens. Part I: Metabolic profiling in elicited fruits

Penicillium spp. are among the major postharvest pathogens of citrus fruit. Induction of natural resistance in fruits constitutes one of the alternatives to chemical fungicides. Here, we investigated the involvement of the phenylpropanoid pathway in the induction of resistance in Navelate oranges by examining changes in the metabolic profile of upon eliciting citrus fruits. By using both HPLC-PDA-FD and HPLC-PDA-QTOF–MS allowed the identification of several compounds that seem to be relevant for induced resistance. In elicited fruits, a greater diversity of phenolic compounds was observed in the flavedo (outer coloured part of the peel) when compared to the albedo (inner white part). Moreover, only small changes were detected in the most abundant citrus flavonoids. The coumarin scoparone was among the compounds with the highest induction upon elicitation. Two other highly induced compounds were identified as citrusnin A and drupanin aldehyde. All three compounds are known to exert antimicrobial activity. Our results suggest that phenylpropanoids and their derivatives play an important role in the induction of resistance in citrus fruit.     

Citrus fruits. Part II. Chemistry, technology, and quality evaluation. B. Technology

In Part II of this review on citrus fruits, the literature on chemistry, technology, and quality evaluation are critically considered. Sweet oranges, mandarin, grapefruit, lemon, and lime are generally used for processing. The literature on chemical components of citrus fruit which include sugars, polysaccharides, organic acids, nitrogenous constituents and lipids; carotenoids which contribute to color; vitamins and minerals and flavonoids; limonoids, some of which impart bitterness to the juice; and the volatile components which contribute to aroma were reviewed in section A. Chilled and pasteurized juices, juice concentrates, and beverages are the important products manufactured commercially, and to a limited extent powdered citrus juices, canned segments, and marmalades. The literature on the manufacture of these products also as new types of juice and oil extractors; TASTE and other types of evaporators; tank farms to store juice and concentrate in bulk; aseptic filling in bulk containers and retail packs; alternate flexible and rigid containers other than glass and tin; and recovery of volatile flavoring constituents during juice processing are some of the important technological developments in the recent past and have been discussed in this section. Bitterness in citrus juices and its control, composition of cloud, and its stability and changes during storage have been reviewed. Essential oils, pectin, frozen and dried juice sacs, dried pulp and molasses, flavonoids, seed oil, and meal are the important byproducts, the manufacture of which is given in essential details. Generally, consumers judge the product on the basis of its sensory attributes. The quality of finished product is dependent upon the raw materials used and control of processes. In section C, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) standards for different products, physicochemical and microbiological parameters prescribed as indices of quality of fruit, juice, concentrate, and other products; composition of essential oils; and aroma concentrates are discussed in relation to sensory quality. Analytical methods for compounds affecting quality, and methods for detection of adulteration in different citrus products are briefly reviewed. The importance of sensorily evaluating quality of citrus products to select and develop quality control indices is emphasized. Areas where further research are required are indicated. A comprehensive bibliography is provided to aid further study and research.     

History,Global Distribution,and Nutritional Importance of Citrus Fruits

Abstract: Although the mysteries of its history and origin remain unsolved, worldwide cultivation and high‐demand production for citrus fruit (genus Citrus in family Rutaceae) make it stand high among fruit crops. Growth of the citrus industry, including rapid development of the processing technology of frozen concentrated orange juice after World War II, has greatly expanded with international trade and steadily increased consumption of citrus fruits and their products during the past several decades. Characterized by the distinct aroma and delicious taste, citrus fruits have been recognized as an important food and integrated as part of our daily diet, playing key roles in supplying energy and nutrients and in health promotion. With low protein and very little fat content, citrus fruits supply mainly carbohydrates, such as sucrose, glucose, and fructose. Fresh citrus fruits are also a good source of dietary fiber, which is associated with gastrointestinal disease prevention and lowered circulating cholesterol. In addition to vitamin C, which is the most abundant nutrient, the fruits are a source of B vitamins (thiamin, pyridoxine, niacin, riboflavin, pantothenic acid, and folate), and contribute phytochemicals such as carotenoids, flavonoids, and limonoids. These biological constituents are of vital importance in human health improvement due to their antioxidant properties, ability to be converted to vitamin A (for example, β‐cryptoxanthin), and purported protection from various chronic diseases.     

Browning Potential,PPO, Catalase and Acid Phosphatase Activities during Ripening of Non-chilled and Chilled Avocado

During storage at 17°C, an increase in respiration and ethylene production and a decrease in firmness occurred sooner in avocados chilled previously than in non-chilled ones. The browning potential of avocado mesocarp changes markedly during ripening of both non-chilled and chilled fruits, reaching the same maximal level in both groups. However, non-chilled ripened avocados are characterised by a much lower browning potential than ripened chilled fruits. The changes in browning potential during ripening are associated with larger changes in polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and catalase than in acid phosphatase activities. The levels of PPO and of catalase detected during ripening are about the same in non-chilled and chilled avocado, yet the former produced much more ethylene than the latter, implying that the level of these enzymes per se does not determine the level of ethylene produced by the fruit.     

柑橘果实乙烯褪绿技术研究进展

果皮色泽及其均匀性是柑橘外观品质的两个主要指标。为了避免一些果皮果肉不能同步成熟的早熟或早采柑橘果实采收后存在的果皮着色差问题,目前,国内外在生产上普遍采用乙烯对上述柑橘果实进行褪绿处理。本文对柑橘果实乙烯褪绿技术的参数条件、褪绿机理、影响因素、对品质的影响,以及存在的问题和可能的解决方法等方面的研究进展进行综述,为柑橘果实乙烯褪绿技术的进一步优化提供一定的理论参考依据。     

Gamma Radiation Effects on the Pectic Substances in Citrus Fruits

SUMMARY— Exposure of citrus fruits to gamma radiation at doses of 150 and 300 krad increased the water- and oxalate-soluble pectins and decreased the protopectin in component parts of Valencia oranges and Duncan grapefruit. The quantities of water-soluble pectin and protopectin in the peel and membrane were affected the most by irradiation. Degradation of the pectins as measured by jelly grade increased in all components of the irradiated fruits. The greatest decrease in jelly grade occurred in the March samples when the Brix/acid ratio was least. Methoxyl contents of the pectins from the peel of oranges and grapefruit decreased, while this characteristic decreased only slightly in pectins from the membrane of irradiated fruits. Pectinesterase activity in the peel of both oranges and grapefruit decreased with increased dosages, while the activity in the membrane of both fruits increased.     

柑橘类胡萝卜素累积机制、分析方法及其加工稳定性研究进展

类胡萝卜素是柑橘次生代谢产物,其组成与含量不仅直接决定柑橘果实的外观与色泽,同时影响柑橘果实的营养功能,是评价柑橘品质的重要评价指标。本文综述了近年来柑橘类胡萝卜素的累积机制、分析方法及其加工稳定性研究进展,包括柑橘类胡萝卜素的合成途径及其累积影响因素、柑橘类胡萝卜素组成分析方法以及柑橘类胡萝卜素的加工稳定性等。基于此,本文为后续柑橘类胡萝卜素组成解析及柑橘类胡萝卜素加工稳定性研究提供参考。     

Postharvest shelf-life extension of avocados using methyl cellulose-based coating

Edible coatings regulate water vapor, oxygen and carbon dioxide transfer in or out of the produce thereby influencing the ongoing respiratory activity and produce quality. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of a methyl cellulose-based coating on the respiration rate, color and texture of avocados stored at room temperature. Avocados were initially surface disinfected, washed and air-dried. They were then immersed in the coating solution for 1 min at 20 °C, air-dried for 10 min and stored at 20 °C in an open box. At 2-day intervals, fruits were removed and evaluated for respiration rate, color and texture. Respiration rate was evaluated by measuring the rate of CO₂ produced from a given quantity of fruits per unit time. Color and texture of avocados were measured using instrumental techniques. Coated avocados demonstrated lower respiration rates, greener color and higher firmness as compared with the uncoated control during the entire storage. The appearance of brown spots and mesocarp discoloration normally associated with fruit ripening were delayed in the coated fruits.     

Automated Systems Based on Machine Vision for Inspecting Citrus Fruits from the Field to Postharvest—a Review

Computer vision systems are becoming a scientific but also a commercial tool for food quality assessment. In the field, these systems can be used to predict yield, as well as for robotic harvesting or the early detection of potentially dangerous diseases. In postharvest handling, it is mostly used for the automated inspection of the external quality of the fruits and for sorting them into commercial categories at very high speed. More recently, the use of hyperspectral imaging is allowing the detection of not only defects in the skin of the fruits but also their association to certain diseases of particular importance. In the research works that use this technology, wavelengths that play a significant role in detecting some of these dangerous diseases are found, leading to the development of multispectral imaging systems that can be used in industry. This article reviews recent works that use colour and non-standard computer vision systems for the automated inspection of citrus. It explains the different technologies available to acquire the images and their use for the non-destructive inspection of internal and external features of these fruits. Particular attention is paid to inspection for the early detection of some dangerous diseases like citrus canker, black spot, decay or citrus Huanglongbing.