Effects of Commercial-scale Pulsed Electric Field Processing on Flavor and Color of Tomato Juice

Effects of commercial‐scale pulsed electric field (PEF) processing on the flavor and color of tomato juice during storage at 4 deg;for 112 d were studied. Tomato juice was prepared by hot break at 88°C for 2 min and then thermally processed at 92° for 90 s or PEF processed at 40 kV/cm for 57 μs. The PEF‐processed tomato juice retained more flavor compounds of trans‐2‐hexenal, 2‐isobutylthiazole, cis‐3‐hexanol than thermally processed or unprocessed control tomato juice (P < 0.05). PEF‐processed juice had significantly lower nonenzymatic browning and higher redness than thermally processed or control juice (P < 0.05). Sensory evaluations indicated that the flavor of PEF‐processed juice was preferred to that of thermally processed juice (P < 0.01).     

Evaluation of Microbial Stability,Bioactive Compounds,Physicochemical Properties,and Consumer Acceptance of Pomegranate Juice Processed in a Commercial Scale Pulsed Electric Field System

This paper investigated the feasibility for pasteurizing raw (100 %) pomegranate juice in a commercial scale pulsed electric field (PEF) processing system. The juice was processed at 35 and 38 kV/cm for 281 μs at 55 °C with a flow rate of 100 L/h. Effect of PEF processing on microbial stability, color, °Brix, pH, sediment, antioxidant activity, total phenolic content, anthocyanin, and sensory properties after the treatments and during storage at 4 °C for 12 weeks were studied and compared to those of thermally processed juice. PEF treatments significantly (p?<?0.05) inhibited the growth of total aerobic bacteria, which remained at <2.5 log colony-forming units (CFU)/ml during the 12-week storage. No yeast and mold were detected (<0.69 log CFU/ml) in the PEF-treated juices during storage up to weeks 10 and 12, which is similar to the thermally processed juice. There were no significant differences in pH and °Brix values between the PEF processed juice and unprocessed juice. PEF processing did not alter the contents of total phenolics and anthocyanin as compared to unprocessed juice. PEF processing had significantly (p?<?0.05) less impact on the color of pomegranate juice than thermal processing. PEF-treated juice had the same consumer satisfaction scores as the unprocessed juice, which were significantly (p?<?0.05) higher than thermally processed juice samples. There was no significant difference between the two PEF treatments in all results. This study demonstrated that PEF technology extended microbial shelf-life and preserved the major quality and nutritional characteristics of pomegranate juice, and hence, is technically feasible for commercialization in the juice industry.     

The Impact of Thermosonication and Pulsed Electric Fields on Staphylococcus aureus Inactivation and Selected Quality Parameters in Orange Juice

The effect of thermosonication (TS) and pulsed electric fields (PEF) on inactivation of Staphylococcus aureus (SST 2.4) and selected quality aspects in orange juice was investigated. Conventional pasteurization (HTST, 94 °C for 26 s) was used as a control. TS (10 min at 55 °C) applied in combination with PEF (40 kV/cm for 150 μs) resulted in a comparable inactivation of S. aureus to that achieved by conventional HTST. TS/PEF did not affect the pH, conductivity, or °Brix and had a milder impact on the juice color than thermal treatment. Furthermore, the non-enzymatic browning index was significantly affected by HTST (P < 0.05) but not by TS and PEF. Ascorbic acid retention was almost complete after TS and PEF (96.0%), but it was substantially lower (P < 0.05) after HTST (80.5%). Residual activity of pectin methyl esterase (PME) decreased as PEF field strength and treatment time increased; however, applying TS and PEF in combination left a greater residual PME activity than HTST (12.9 vs 5.0%, respectively).     

Shelf life and quality of skim milk processed by cold microfiltration with a 1.4-μm pore size membrane,with or without heat treatment

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of cold microfiltration (MF), alone or in combination with heat treatment, in extending the shelf life of skim milk. Raw skim milk underwent MF at 6 ± 1°C with a ceramic membrane of 1.4-μm pore size, at a transmembrane pressure of 75.8 kPa and a crossflow velocity of 7 m/s. Samples of raw skim milk; MF skim milk; high-temperature, short-time (HTST)-pasteurized milk; and MF+HTST-pasteurized skim milk were stored at 6°C for 92 d. During the shelf-life study, the total bacterial count and degree of proteolysis were evaluated weekly. The study was replicated 3 times. Cold MF was very effective in reducing the microbial load in skim milk, and an average of 3.4 log reduction in vegetative bacteria was obtained. Although HTST pasteurization reduced the bacterial load by ～2 log, the MF+HTST process resulted in near complete elimination of vegetative microflora, with a total of ～4 log reduction. A 9-member sensory panel found no significant differences between skim milk samples processed with or without MF. The MF+HTST skim milk had only minor microbial growth after 92 d at 6°C, but its proteolytic shelf life was limited by plasmin activity. A reduction of plasmin activity and a slower rate of proteolysis were obtained by increasing the heat treatment temperature to 85°C. The results of this study can be used to make decisions regarding processing strategies that lead to increased skim milk shelf life.     

Commercial-Scale Pulsed Electric Field Processing of Orange Juice

Effects of commercial‐scale pulsed electric field (PEF) processing on the microbial stability, ascorbic acid, flavor compounds, color, Brix, pH, and sensory properties of orange juice were studied and compared with those of thermal processing. Freshly squeezed orange juice was thermally processed at 90 °C for 90 s or processed by PEF at 40 kV/cm for 97 ms. Both thermally processed and PEF‐processed juices showed microbial shelf life at 4 °C for 196 d. PEF‐processed juice retained more ascorbic acid, flavor, and color than thermally processed juice (P<0.05). Sensory evaluation of texture, flavor, and overall acceptability were ranked highest for control juice, followed by PEF‐processed juice and then by thermally processed juice (P<0.01).     

Effect of Ultrafiltration Combined with High-Pressure Processing on Safety and Quality Features of Fresh Apple Juice

Ultrafiltration (UF, 0.05 μm) with a ceramic membrane was combined with high-pressure processing (HPP) at 500 MPa/6 min and high-temperature short time (HTST) at 110 °C/8.6 s to process fresh apple juice. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of UF + HPP and UF + HTST on quality features of fresh apple juice and analyze the quality changes of the juice treated by UF + HPP and stored during 60 days at 4 °C. Applying UF, total plate count (TPC) and yeasts and molds (Y&M) significantly decreased by 0.29 and 0.28 log cycle, total phenols and ascorbic acid decreased by 33.50 and 26.52 %, and antioxidant capacity, using the DPPH and FRAP assay, significantly decreased by 26.40 and 25.37 %. Meanwhile, the juice clarity was 99.75?±?0.07 % and seven aroma compounds were changed. TPC and Y&M in juices treated by UF + HPP and UF + HTST were <1 log cycle. When compared to the juice treated by UF + HTST, the juice treated by UF + HPP showed lower browning degree and higher total phenols and clarity, and retained seven main volatile aroma compounds. Fresh apple juice processed by UF + HPP was microbiologically safe (TPC <1.8 log cycles and Y&M <1 log cycle) during 60 days of storage at 4 °C. The first-order model was a suitable model for all quality parameters of refrigerated fresh apple juice; however, rate constant k of first-order model was between ?0.0157 and 0.0350, showing the quality features of the refrigerated juice was stable.     

Pulsed electric field processing of a pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) fermented beverage

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of pulsed electric field (PEF) (11.7 or 18 kV/cm) and pasteurization (batch or slow (VAT) and high-temperature-short time (HTST)) on the microbial, physicochemical, bioactive and sensory characteristics of a pomegranate (Punica granatum) fermented beverage (PFB) through storage at 4 °C. Bioactive compounds (antioxidant capacity, phenolic compounds, flavonoids, anthocyanins content) and color were measured. The microbiological counts (initial mesophilic aerobic bacteria (MAB) of 9.77 × 10³ CFU/mL and initial molds plus yeasts (MY) of 2.04 × 10³ CFU/mL) showed that applying 6 ms of bipolar PEFs at 18 kV/cm with 200 Hz repetition frequency reduced the microbial loads in approximately 4-log cycles, remaining <10 CFU/mL of both types of microorganisms in the PFB. PEF barely affected the total soluble solids, pH, ethanol, total acidity and color. All PEF-treated and pasteurization samples showed a slight reduction in bioactive compounds during storage. In sensory acceptability, the lowest score was given to the VAT pasteurized sample; however, still acceptable (between like slightly and like moderately).Industrial relevanceThis research provides essential information on the microbiological, physicochemical, bioactive and sensory characteristics of a pomegranate fermented beverage processed with pulsed electric fields. The pulsed electric field processing of fermented beverages may provide criteria to the processing industry to use this novel technology as a processing method for delivering a microbiological safe beverage with good sensory and antioxidant characteristics to consumers.     

Flavor and flavor chemistry differences among milks processed by high-temperature,short-time pasteurization or ultra-pasteurization

Typical high-temperature, short-time (HTST) pasteurization encompasses a lower heat treatment and shorter refrigerated shelf life compared with ultra-pasteurization (UP) achieved by direct steam injection (DSI-UP) or indirect heat (IND-UP). A greater understanding of the effect of different heat treatments on flavor and flavor chemistry of milk is required to characterize, understand, and identify the sources of flavors. The objective of this study was to determine the differences in the flavor and volatile compound profiles of milk subjected to HTST, DSI-UP, or IND-UP using sensory and instrumental techniques. Raw skim and raw standardized 2% fat milks (50 L each) were processed in triplicate and pasteurized at 78°C for 15 s (HTST) or 140°C for 2.3 s by DSI-UP or IND-UP. Milks were cooled and stored at 4°C, then analyzed at d 0, 3, 7, and 14. Sensory attributes were determined using a trained panel, and aroma active compounds were evaluated by solid-phase micro-extraction or stir bar sorptive extraction followed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, gas chromatography-olfactometry, and gas chromatography-triple quad mass spectrometry. The UP milks had distinct cooked and sulfur flavors compared with HTST milks. The HTST milks had less diversity in aroma active compounds compared with UP milks. Flavor intensity of all milks decreased by d 14 of storage. Aroma active compound profiles were affected by heat treatment and storage time in both skim and 2% milk. High-impact aroma active compounds were hydrogen sulfide, dimethyl trisulfide, and methional in DSI-UP and 2 and 3-methylbutanal, furfural, 2-heptanone, 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline, 2-aminoacetophenone, benzaldehyde, and dimethyl sulfide in IND-UP. These results provide a foundation knowledge of the effect of heat treatments on flavor development and differences in sensory quality of UP milks.     

Comparison of High Hydrostatic Pressure,High-PressureCarbon Dioxide and High-Temperature Short-Time Processing on Quality of Mulberry Juice

Changes of microbial, physicochemical and sensory properties of mulberry juice processed by high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) (500 MPa/5 min), high-pressure carbon dioxide (HPCD) (15 MPa/55 °C/10 min), and high-temperature short time (HTST) (110 °C/8.6 s) during 28 days of storage at 4 °C and 25 °C were investigated. Total aerobic bacteria (TAB) and yeast and mold (Y&M) were not detected in HHP-treated and HTST-treated mulberry juices for 28 days at 4 °C and 25 °C, but were detected more than 2 log₁₀ CFU/ml in HPCD-treated mulberry juice for 21 days at 4 °C and 14 days at 25 °C, respectively. Total anthocyanins were retained after HHP and reduced by 4 % after HTST while increased by 11 % after HPCD. Total phenols were retained by HHP, while increased by 4 % after HTST and 16 % after HPCD. The antioxidant capacity was retained by HTST and HHP and increased by HPCD. Both total phenols and antioxidant capacity were decreased during the initial 14 days but then increased up to 28 days regardless of storage temperature. The value of polymeric color and browning index decreased and a* increased in HHP-treated and HPCD-treated mulberry juices, while HTST-treated mulberry juice had a reverse result. The viscosity of mulberry juice increased in HHP-treated and HPCD-treated juices, while decreased in HTST-treated juice. During storage, total anthocyanins, total phenols, and antioxidant capacity and color in all mulberry juices decreased more largely at 25 °C than that at 4 °C. Better quality was observed in HHP- and HPCD-treated mulberry juices, and a longer shelf life was observed in HHP-treated samples compared to HPCD-treated ones.     

Storage study and quality evaluation of fresh coconut grating

This work is aimed at preservation of fresh coconut grating. Experiments were conducted to study effect of different storage temperatures (2.5, ?13.5 and ?20 °C) and salt concentrations (0, 0.5, 1 and 2% w/w) on microbial, sensory, physico‐chemical and structural characteristics of coconut grating, over one month storage. The relative extent of increase in total plate count, and yeast and mold count of grating significantly decreased with an increase in salt concentration at ?13.5 and ?20 °C. Coconut grating, with 2% salt, stored at ?13.5 °C indicated least increase in microbial count (2.69 to 4.20 log cfu/mL). Scanning electron microscopic images of samples indicated retention of microstructure during storage. Sensory analysis after one month at ?13.5 and ?20 °C, indicated higher overall acceptability, than at 2.5 °C. These samples were used for preparation of coconut chutney (eaten as an adjunct), which was found to be acceptable.

Practical application

Fresh coconut kernel grating is not shelf‐stable under ambient conditions due to high moisture and fat contents. This study gives an insight into the methods to improve the storage stability and quality of coconut grating under different conditions, using sensory evaluation, instrumental and microbial analysis. Fresh coconut grating with extended shelf life can meet the increasing demand as it finds application in various coconut based preparations.     

Oxidative Stability of ω3-rich Camelina Oil and Camelina Oil-based Spread Compared with Plant and Fish Oils and Sunflower Spread

ABSTRACT: The oxidative stability of ω3‐rich oil from Camelina sativa and the storage stability of a camelina oil‐based spread were evaluated. Camelina oil was more stable than fish oil and linseed oil, but less stable than sunflower, corn, sesame, and olive oils, indicated by measuring peroxide values (PV), ρ‐anisidine values (AV), total oxidation values (Totox), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), conjugated diene levels (CD), and conjugated triene levels (CT) during storage at 65 °C for 16 d. The camelina oil‐based spread had higher PV, AV, Totox, TBARS, CD, and CT than the sunflower spread but maintained adequate sensory quality for 16 wk of storage at 4 °C or 8 °C.     

Relationships between volatile production,fruit quality and sensory evaluation of Fuji apples stored in different atmospheres by means of multivariate analysis

Aroma compounds, quality parameters and sensory characteristics of Fuji apples were analysed after 3, 5 and 7 months of storage at 1 °C in normal air (AIR; 210 l m^?3 O₂/0.3 l m^?3 CO₂) and in controlled atmospheres with O₂/CO₂ ratios of 10 l m^?3/10 l m^?3 (ULO1), 10 l m^?3/20 l m^?3 (ULO2) and 30 l m^?3/20 l m^?3 (SCA). After storage the apples were kept at 20 °C for 1, 5 and 10 days. The components that contributed most to the characteristic aroma of Fuji apples were ethyl 2‐methylbutanoate, 2‐methylbutyl acetate and hexyl acetate. The highest aroma compound production was found in ULO1 fruits after 5 months of cold storage and 1 day of shelf‐life. After 3 and 5 months of storage, ULO1 fruits showed the highest firmness after both 1 day and 10 days at 20 °C. After 7 months of storage plus 1 day at 20 °C, ULO2 fruits showed higher titratable acidity and soluble solid content; fruit firmness was also maintained throughout the shelf‐life period. Generally, background and superficial colour were not influenced by storage conditions. A statistically significant correlation was found between aroma compounds, quality parameters and sensory evaluation. Copyright © 2003 Society of Chemical Industry     

Quality changes during storage of sous vide cooked green beans (Phaseolus vulgaris)

 The acceptability and quality of sous vide cooked green beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) were investigated during chilled storage. A suitable heating procedure was established whereby 2.0-kg packages were heat processed at 90°C for 25 min, corresponding to an average pasteurization value, PV_70,10, of 14 min. During storage for up to 25 days at 3°C drip loss, pH, colour (Minolta L ^* a ^* b ^*), texture (Instron) and microbiological stability were examined and sensory characteristics evaluated by a trained sensory panel. No marked changes in texture, drip loss, pH or microbiological counts were observed but a change of colour from green to olive green was observed by both objective and sensory analyses. This detrimental change in colour, which had begun during the first week, was the limiting factor for shelf-life during storage. Subsequent reheating, however, resulted in further colour changes which partially obscured the initial differences observed during the storage period. Storage for more than 1 week resulted in undesirable quality changes in the odour and flavour of the green beans. Therefore, a maximum shelf-life of 8 days at 3°C was recommended. Inoculation trials showed that psychrotrophic Bacillus cereus were able to germinate and grow to levels of 10⁷ g^–1 in the packages at abuse temperatures (7°C and 17°C), whereafter numbers declined. Received: 21 April 1997     

Chemical and Sensory Assessment of Nonspawning Capelin (Mallotus villosus) Subjected to Long Term Frozen Storage

Nonspawning capelin (Mallotus villosus) were processed immediately after being caught, after 5 days of iced storage or after being frozen at sea and later thawed. Fish from all variables were stored at ?23°C for up to 21 months. Both pre-processing treatment and frozen storage time significantly (P ≤ 0.05) affected all sensory variables except appearance. Regardless of treatment, the sensory quality was very stable during early and intermediate stages of frozen storage; capelin processed at sea was superior to that of the other two treatments. Appearance, dimethylamine, timethylamine, moisture and thiobarbituric acid values were dependent upon an interaction between pre-processing treatment and frozen storage time. Hypoxanthine concentration had the greatest potential as an index of sensory quality.     

Packaging Effects on Applesauce in Multilayer Polymeric Films and Glass

Four different multilayer polymeric films were assessed for suitability as packaging materials for hot-filled fruit products, by determining the effect of storage time and temperature on applesauce packaged in each film type, as compared to glass. Applesauce from each package type was assessed at S wk intervals for changes in sensory and analytical characteristics during 15 wks storage at 20°, 30°, 37° and 43°C. Films containing an ethylene vinyl alcohol or polyvinylidine chloride layer performed similarly to glass. Applesauce packaged in a nylon/ linear low density polyethylene film was less acceptable and had significantly greater browning at all temperatures.     

Shelf‐Life Study of an Orange Juice–Milk Based Beverage after PEF and Thermal Processing

ABSTRACT: The effect of thermal and pulsed electric field (PEF) processing on the shelf life of an orange juice–milk beverage (OJMB) was studied. The intensities of the treatments were selected to produce similar inactivation of pectin methyl esterase (PME), an enzyme responsible for the jellification and loss of fresh juice cloudiness. Physical properties (pH, °Brix, and color), microbial population, PME activity, and volatile compounds of the product were analyzed during a 4‐wk storage at 8 to 10 °C. The pH was not affected by any treatment but decreased during the storage in the untreated sample. The °Brix values were decreased by the 2 treatments. The thermal and PEF treatments initially inactivated PME activity by 90%. During storage, the PME activity remained constant in the 2 treated samples and decreased slightly in the untreated sample. The reductions in bacterial as well as yeast and mold counts were similar after the 2 treatments (4.5 and 4.1 log CFU/mL for thermal against 4.5 and 5 log CFU/mL for PEF). Based on the initial bacterial counts of the control, it was estimated that the shelf lives of the OJMB treated with thermal and PEF processing stored at 8 to 10 °C were 2 and 2.5 wk, respectively. Differences were observed in the color parameters of the OJMB between the 2 treatments in comparison with the control, with a higher difference observed in the thermally processed samples. The relative concentration of volatile compounds was higher in OJMB processed by PEF treatment than that in the thermally processed sample. During storage, the loss of volatile compounds was lower in the PEF sample while thermal and control samples had a similar rate of loss. For an OJMB, treatment with PEF achieved the same degree of microbial and enzyme inactivation as the thermal treatment, but better preserved color and volatile compounds.     

Effect of dipotassium phosphate and heat on milk protein beverage viscosity and color

Our objective was to determine the effect of addition of dipotassium phosphate (DKP) at 3 different thermal treatments on color, viscosity, and sensory properties of 7.5% milk protein-based beverages during 15 d of storage at 4°C. Micellar casein concentrate (MCC) and milk protein concentrate (MPC) containing about 7.5% protein were produced from pasteurized skim milk using a 3×, 3-stage ceramic microfiltration process and a 3×, 3-stage polymeric ultrafiltration membrane process, respectively. The MCC and MPC were each split into 6 batches, based on thermal process and addition of DKP. The 6 batches were no postfiltration heat treatment with added DKP (0.15%), no postfiltration heat without added DKP (0%), postfiltration high-temperature, short time (HTST) with DKP, postfiltration HTST without DKP, postfiltration direct steam injection with DKP, and postfiltration direct steam injection without DKP. The 6 MCC milk-based beverages and the 6 MPC milk-based beverages were stored at 4°C. Viscosity, color, and sensory properties were determined over 15 d of refrigerated storage. MCC- and MPC-based beverages at 7.5% protein with and without 0.15% added dipotassium phosphate were successfully run through an HTST and direct steam injection thermal process. The 7.5% protein MCC-based beverage contained a higher calcium and phosphorus content (2,425 and 1,583 mg/L, respectively) than the 7.5% protein MPC-based beverages (2,141 and 1,338 mg/L, respectively). Pasteurization (HTST) had very little effect on beverage particle size distribution, whereas direct steam injection thermal processing produced protein aggregates with medians in the range of 10 and 175 μm for MPC beverages. A population of casein micelles at about 0.15 μm was found in both MCC- and MPC-based beverages. Larger particles in the 175-μm range were not detected in the MCC beverages. In general, the apparent viscosity (AV) of MCC beverages was higher than MPC beverages. Added DKP increased the AV of both MCC- and MPC-based beverages, while increasing heat treatment decreased AV. The AV of beverages with DKP increased during 15 d of 4°C of storage for both MCC and MPC, whereas there was very little change in AV during storage without DKP and a similar effect was observed for sensory viscosity scores. The L value of beverages was higher with higher heat treatment, but DKP addition decreased L value and sensory opacity greatly. Sulfur-eggy flavors were detected in MPC beverages, but not MCC-based beverages.     

Survival of probiotic bifidobacteria in buffalo curd and their effect on sensory properties

The feasibility of incorporating Bifidobacterium longum NCTC11818 in buffalo curd to produce a probiotic product was investigated. Fermentation at tropical ambient temperature (29 ± 2 °C), two storage temperatures (29 ± 2 °C and 4 ± 2 °C), and in three packaging materials (clay pots, plastic cups, and glass bottles) was investigated. Bifidobacteria survived for 3 days above the required population level of 10⁶ CFU g^?1 in buffalo curd packed in clay pots at 29 ± 2 °C. They did not persist at acceptable levels over the 4‐day shelf life because of the combined effects of temperature, acidity, and redox potential. Chill storage slows post‐fermentation acidification and prolongs bifidobacterial viability while packaging materials, which present a greater barrier to oxygen, had a similar effect. The results indicated that bifidobacteria could be successfully incorporated into buffalo curd to give a product which has improved acceptability. Probiotic buffalo curd, when compared to uninoculated curd, had significantly higher (P < 0.05) sensory scores for properties such as taste and mouth‐feel resulting in a significantly higher (P < 0.001) overall acceptability.     

Changes in some quality factors of frozen ginger as affected by the freezing storage conditions

The effects of types of ginger root, the freezing storage temperature and time on quality factors associated with color, off‐odor and acceptability of frozen ginger were evaluated to establish the freezing storage conditions of ginger roots. Whole and ground ginger was packed in Nylon/polyethylene (PE) bags and stored at ?5, ?20 and ?40 °C. The quality of the ginger was determined at the following times and storage temperatures: the ginger stored at ?5 °C, ?20 °C, and ?40 °C was sampled at 30‐day intervals for 4 months, at 90‐day intervals for 12 months, and at 120‐day intervals for 16 months, respectively. The content of free sugars, free amino acids (FAAs), unsaturated fatty acids (FUFAs) and volatile compounds noticeably decreased during the storage period, while the total color difference (ΔE) increased, and the temperature effect was significant. The changes in these compounds were generally less in the whole ginger samples. The overall preference of ginger roots stored at ?5, ?20 and ?40 °C was significantly different after 2–3, 9 and 16 months of storage, respectively. The increase of ΔE with decreases of free sugars, FAAs and sensory color indicated the discoloration of frozen ginger was due to the browning reaction. The sensory off‐odor scores were closely associated with the decrease of FUFAs, suggesting that the oxidation of FUFAs caused the development of off‐odor in the frozen ginger. Multiple regression analysis between the overall preference scores and other determined quality factors indicated that FAAs, FUFAs and volatile compounds significantly affected the overall preference scores of ground ginger samples stored at ?5 °C or ?20 °C. The sensory off‐odor and overall preference scores showed that whole ginger could be stored for 2 or 9 months at ?5 or ?20 °C, respectively, maintaining a good overall quality. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry     

Changes in selected quality characteristics of minimally processed carambola (Averrhoa carambola L.) when treated with ascorbic acid

‘B 10’ carambola of ripening stage (RS) 3 and 4 were minimally processed (MP) and then dipped in 0, 15 and 30 mg L^?1 ascorbic acid (AA). The 1‐cm‐thick slices were then dried, packed into cling‐wrapped‐foam tray and stored at 7 °C for 0, 3 and 5 days. Skin colour (L*, C* and h°), flesh firmness, soluble solids concentration, vitamin C content, titratable acidity, pH, degree of browning, polyphenoloxidase (PPO) activity and sensory attributes of MP carambola treated with AA were determined. AA treatment had significant effect in decreasing cut surface browning degree but no significant effect on all the selected quality characteristics of the MP carambola. In the sensory evaluation, flesh colour, sweetness, flavour and overall taste were significantly affected by AA treatment especially at 15 mg L^?1. The RS of fruit significantly affected skin colour (C* and h°), pH and sensory attributes of colour and flavour of the MP carambola. As storage day (SD) progressed, skin colour (C* and h°), flesh firmness and vitamin C content, cut surface browning, PPO activity and all the sensory attributes of MP carambola decreased significantly. Flesh firmness of the MP carambola was affected by the interaction between AA × SD. Sensory attributes of MP carambola were affected significantly by AA × RS. All the sensory attributes of MP carambola positively correlated to each other but negatively correlated with browning degree. PPO activity positively correlated with browning degree. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry