Changes in antioxidants and taste-related compounds content during cold storage of fresh-cut red sweet peppers

Changes in antioxidants (ascorbic acid, phenolic compounds and carotenoids) and in taste-related compounds (sugars and organic acids) content were monitored in fresh-cut red sweet peppers (Capsicum annuum L., local ecotype “Peperone Cornetto di Pontecorvo”) during 9 days of cold storage. Pepper slices were placed in polystyrene trays, wrapped with a polyvinyl chloride film, and stored at 4 °C or at 8 °C; besides, to evaluate the effect of a prestorage hot water treatment, half of the slices were subjected to a dipping treatment in water at 53 °C for 4 min, before packaging and storage. During storage limited changes in O₂ and CO₂ concentrations were observed within all packages. Storage temperature strongly affected weight loss: at the end of the storage time it was <3 and >10% in fruits stored at 4 and 8 °C, respectively. Sugars (glucose and fructose) content showed a significant increase (+11%) only in fruits stored at 8 °C; this change was due to a concentration effect associated to water loss. A higher increase (+23 and +17% in fruits stored at 8 and 4 °C) was observed in organic acids (citric and malic) content. Minimal processing and storage produced only a quite limited degradation of ascorbic acid. Both hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives and flavonoids accumulated in fruits stored at 8 °C (and not heat treated), whereas at 4 °C phenolics accumulation appeared to be partially inhibited. All the main carotenoids (capsanthin, cucurbitaxanthin A, zeaxanthin, β-carotene and β-cryptoxanthin) markedly accumulated in fruits stored at 8 °C (not heat treated), and showed a general decrease at 4 °C. Hot water treatment did seem to affect organic acids metabolism, though it did not promote ascorbic acid degradation. In addition, it inhibited both phenolics and carotenoid accumulation in fruits stored at 8 °C.     

STORAGE QUALITY OF BELL PEPPERS PRETREATED WITH HOT WATER AND POLYETHYLENE PACKAGING

Treatments of bell peppers (Capsicum annuum, L) with hot water at 45Cfor 15 min or SSC for 4 min prior to storage at 8C markedly reduced the incidence of fungal infections. However, the hot water treatment induced shriveling during storage. When hot water treated pepper fruits were subsequently placed in low density polyethylene bags, storage quality of these peppers improved tremendously including retention of firmness, reduction of water loss, retardation of color change, and alleviation of chilling injury. Total soluble solids, titratable acidity, and pH values in the pepper fruit were generally not affected by these treatment. A 4 min dip at 53C followed by packaging with 0.065 mm low density polyethylene film was very effective in maintaining pepper quality. This treatment inhibited respiration rate, reduced decay, retained turgidity and green color, and maintained excellent overall quality after 28 days of storage at 8C. Hot water treatment combined with polyethylene film packaging is a promising technique for improving the storage quality of bell peppers.     

冰温和自发气调袋贮藏对冬枣质构及生理特性的影响

本文以成熟冬枣为试材,选取冰温贮藏和自发气调袋贮藏两种方式,测定贮藏过程中的硬度、弹性、粘性、内聚性和咀嚼性等质构特性,并进行贮藏相关生理指标的测定。结果表明,冰温贮藏可以延缓冬枣果实的硬度、粘性和弹性的下降,延缓冬枣质构的衰变,同时降低可溶性果胶含量,从而抑制冬枣果实的软化。自发气调袋处理的果实其质构特性明显优于对照果实,且冬枣果实在贮藏过程中失重率明显低于对照和冰温贮藏的冬枣果实。对照果实,冰温处理和自发气调保鲜袋处理的冬枣果实贮藏至20 d时,失重率分别为12.02%,10.25%和1.17%。自发气调保鲜袋处理可以延缓冬枣果实的Vc含量下降,保持果实较高的营养品质。冰温贮藏能够延缓果皮花青苷的形成,贮藏20 d后红色果皮部分不到1/3,而自发气调保鲜袋处理的果实花青苷会正常合成。自发气调袋处理的效果优于冰温贮藏。     

Combined effects of postharvest heat treatment and chitosan coating on quality of fresh‐cut mangoes (Mangifera indica L.)

The influence of heat treatment combined with coating on sensory quality, physico‐chemicals characteristics (firmness, colour, pH, titratable acidity, total soluble solids and total carotenoids content) and microbiological quality of fresh‐cut mangoes were studied. Whole mangoes (Mangifera indica cv ‘Tommy Atkins’) were subjected to hot water dipping (HWD) at 50 °C for 30 min and cooled for 15 min. Heated and unheated fruits were minimally processed and mango cubes were coated with chitosan solution (0.25% w/v) dissolved in 0.5% (w/v) citric acid, and stored for 9 days at 6 °C under ambient atmosphere. This study showed that both HWD 50 °C for 30 min and chitosan coating, either alone or combined, did not affect the taste and the flavour of mangoes slices. The chitosan coating combined with HWD or not inhibited the microbial growth for 9 days at 6 °C. Indeed chitosan coating was used for his antimicrobial proprieties. HWD 50 °C for 30 min was the beneficial treatment to maintain firmness and colour during 9 days at 6 °C.     

不同包装及延时预冷处理对模拟冷链贮运及货架期期间桃果实品质的影响

对不同包装和延时预冷的“八月脆”桃在－ 0.5～0℃低温条件下贮藏15d,随后回温3d,通过测定硬度、可溶性固形物、果实颜色、失重率和腐烂率等品质指标,以探求桃果实满足冷链贮运和货价期要求的最佳预冷和包装条件。结果表明,采用包装纸+ 纸箱(X1)和网套+ 礼品盒(X2)的果实在冷藏15d 后均能保持较高的硬度,SSC 变化不明显,X1 果实腐烂率显著高于其他两组,未包装(X3)果实失重率最高。在回温3d 后,X2 果实的硬度(11.45N)和SSC(9.99%)显著高于X1,腐烂率和失重率最低,果实表面着色充分,果肉未出现褐变;采后6h 入库预冷的果实在冷藏15d 和回温3d 后的硬度均显著高于采后12h 和18h 入库果实,腐烂率和失重率均显著低于对照组,果实表面色泽呈微红色,果心处无褐变。综合评定采后6h 入库预冷和采用网套+ 礼品盒包装果实的贮运性和货架期的商品率较高。     

气调包装酱牛肉贮藏过程中优势腐败菌变化规律和预测模型的初建

以中式熟食酱牛肉为研究对象,测定在5℃条件下散装、真空、无氧、低氧和高氧包装的酱牛肉中菌落总数、热死环丝菌、乳酸菌和假单胞菌的变化规律,并且针对散装酱牛肉菌落总数建立初级预测模型。结果表明：低氧包装(35%O2、55%CO2、10%N2)能够有效抑制酱牛肉贮藏过程中腐败菌的生长;比较线性方程和修正的Gompertz 方程建立的初级模型得知,修正的Gompertz 方程所得的决定系数R2 均超过0.98,模型的可靠性较线性模型高。     

Quality aspects of fresh‐cut ‘long‐storage tomato’ as affected by package,calcium chloride and storage time

In this research, some quality changes during storage at 4 °C were assessed in fresh‐cut fruits of a ‘long‐storage tomato’ landrace, packaged in biocompostable materials (PLA Ingeo tray/NatureFlex? film) or in conventional plastics (PET tray + polypropylene film). The effects of dipping in CaCl₂ on the shelf‐life extension were also assessed. Plants were cultivated both off‐season (greenhouse) and in‐season (open field). CO₂ and O₂ concentration, fruit weight loss, firmness, colour, microbial load were measured at 0, 4, 7, 12 days of storage. Headspace gas changes and fruit weight loss were minimised in conventional package. BIO package prevented water condensation, led to max 5% weight loss and made fruits less susceptible to spoilage. Dipping in CaCl₂ induced better firmness, especially in biopackage. Off‐season fruits had overall lower quality than in‐season fruits; however, these may contribute to extend the production season, with interesting marketing implications for the agri‐food industry.     

Ascorbic Acid and Folic Acid Content and Sensory Characteristics of Dehydrated Green Peppers

Moisture content, water activity, ascorbic and folic acid content, and color of blanched and unblanched green peppers, dried for 8 or 9 hr at 60°C or 12 hr at 49°C, were determined before and after 8 wk storage at room temperature. Sensory characteristics of the peppers were evaluated after storage. Blanching influenced ascorbic acid content, color, firmness, and intensity of green pepper, sweet and bitter flavor. Time and temperature of drying influenced water activity and some texture attributes.     

Bioactive Compounds and Fruit Quality of Green Sweet Pepper Grown under Different Colored Shade Netting during Postharvest Storage

In this study, influence of 3 types of photo‐selective nets (pearl, red and yellow) and a standard black net on marketable yield, fruit quality and bioactive compounds after postharvest storage was investigated. Percentage marketable fruits were higher in green sweet peppers produced under the pearl nets. Fruits produced under the pearl nets showed higher fruit mass, firmness, chlorophyll content, ascorbic acid content, antioxidant scavenging activity after postharvest storage. Red/far red photon ratio under the pearl net could have improved the ascorbic acid content and the antioxidant scavenging activity in green peppers. Green sweet peppers grown under the pearl nets had higher hue values and maintained green color longer. Our results showed the impact of modified light quality on the bioactive compounds of green sweet pepper during postharvest storage.     

高氧气调包装鲜切洋葱的研究

本研究对比三种气体比例包装(空气包装、5%O2+10%CO2+85%N2、80%O2+20%CO2)并结合使用三种不同浓度(0.5%、1%、1.5%)的柠檬酸溶液浸泡处理鲜切洋葱研究贮藏期间对品质和安全性的影响。通过测定其贮藏期间的硬度、多酚氧化酶活性、细菌总数等的变化来比较保鲜的效果。结果表明:(80%O2+20%N2)气调包装并采用1.5%柠檬酸溶液浸泡处理,对鲜切洋葱的保鲜效果较好,在4℃下贮藏17d仍能保持较好的品质。     

Characterization of whey cheese packaged under vacuum

Vacuum packaging was assayed at 4 degrees C and was tested in comparison to unpackaged counterparts, in both microbiological and physicochemical terms, in studies pertaining to the preservation of Requeij?o, a traditional Portuguese whey cheese. Bacteria were absent (i.e., <10 CFU/g) in whey cheeses on the day of manufacture as a result of thermal processing. After storage, both unpackaged and packaged cheeses exhibited high viable counts of Bacillus, Pseudomonas, Enterobacteriaceae, and lactic acid bacteria (especially lactococci). Yeasts, staphylococci, enterococci, and spore-forming clostridia were severely inhibited by the package vacuum combined with the increasing acidification developed therein. Whey cheeses packaged under vacuum underwent substantial acidification, slight depletion of lactose, and no significant variation in moisture content or texture; conversely, unpackaged whey cheeses exhibited substantial loss of water and a concomitant increase in rigidity. Vacuum packaging strongly inhibited lipolysis (even if viable counts of some microbial groups were high); saturated fatty acids (mainly C16:0 and C14:0) accounted for ca. 73% of the total free-fatty acid content, whereas the most concentrated unsaturated fatty acids were C18:1 and C18:2 (ca. 14% each). The conclusions generated in our study are, in general, useful for a wide range of whey cheeses worldwide: i.e., Requéson (Spain), Ricotta (Italy), Broccio (France), and Anthotyro (Greece). In addition, our conclusions are particularly helpful in terms of improving the safety of Requeij?o, a widely acclaimed dairy specialty.     

Effect of temperature and modified atmosphere packaging on overall quality of fresh-cut bell peppers

The effect of vacuum packaging (VP) and modified atmosphere packaging without vacuum (MAP) on shelf-life of fresh-cut green bell pepper stored at 5°C and 10°C were evaluated. In-package atmosphere, overall quality, percentage of leaked juice, texture, ascorbic acid content, ethanol and acetaldehyde, and microbial growth, were evaluated at different intervals of storage. MAP-fresh-cut peppers presented better visual quality, less leaked juice and higher firmness than those stored under VP. Microbiological and quality analysis revealed a limit of shelf-life of 14 and 21 days, when fresh-cut peppers were stored at 10°C and 5°C, respectively. We conclude that MAP could be used to maintain quality attributes of fresh-cut peppers for up 21 days at 5°C.     

Quality of Fresh-cut Apple Slices as Affected by Low-dose Ionizing Radiation and Calcium Ascorbate Treatment

ABSTRACT: Although ionizing radiation effectively inactivates food-borne bacterial pathogens in fresh-cut fruits and vegetables, it may adversely affect product quality. In this study, the effects of calcium ascorbate (CaA) and ionizing radiation on quality of 'Gala' apple slices under modified atmosphere packaging were investigated. 'Gala' apple slices, treated with water or 7% CaA followed by either nonirradiation (0 kGy) or irradiation at 0.5 and 1.0 kGy, were stored at 10°C for up to 3 wk. The titratable acidity, pH, firmness, ascorbic acid content, color, and microflora population were measured weekly throughout storage. Irradiation did not affect titratable acidity and pH of sliced apples. Fruit slices softened during irradiation and storage, but this decrease in firmness during storage was reduced by the CaA treatment. Although the ascorbic acid content of apple slices treated with CaA decreased rapidly during storage, the ascorbic acid content was always higher in those treated samples than in the apple slices treated with water. Irradiation decreased both L * and hue values of apple slices. Hue values decreased during the entire storage period while L * increased during the 1st wk of storage, then decreased between 1 to 3 wk of storage. CaA increased L * and hue values of apple slices, suggesting CaA reduced browning, even in irradiated samples. The microflora population of apples slices was not affected by CaA, and CaA treatment did not alter the reduction in microflora by irradiation. The combination of CaA and irradiation enhanced microbial food safety while maintaining quality of fresh-cut apple slices.     

气调包装对百香果贮藏品质的影响

为探讨不同气调包装材料对百香果贮藏品质的影响,以‘紫香1号’百香果为试材,对其进行活性袋包装和普通聚乙烯袋包装两种处理,包装好后封口,并于温度（25±1）℃、相对湿度70%～80%的条件下贮藏;相同成熟度未进行包装的果实于相同条件下贮藏作为对照,监测贮藏期间百香果的质量损失率、可溶性固形物与可滴定酸含量、果皮的L*、a*、b*值、果皮缺陷指数及贮藏寿命。结果表明,与对照相比,两种气调包装均减缓了果实质量损失率的上升,延缓了果皮缺陷指数及其他与百香果后熟有关的物理化学变化,能延长贮藏寿命至少6 d;采用活性包装的百香果品质保持得更好,货架期更长。     

Methyl jasmonate coupled with modified atmosphere packaging to extend shelf life of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) during cold storage

The effects of methyl jasmonate coupled with modified atmosphere packaging (MJ+MAP) on the quality and shelf life of mature green tomato ( Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) were investigated during cold storage at 5 °C. Tomatoes were treated with 10⁻⁴  m MJ and packaged under 5%O₂/5%CO₂/90%N₂ in a plastic bag. The effects of MJ+MAP were compared with control as well as heat treated (HT) samples. Control samples were tomatoes packaged under atmospheric air. HT samples were prepared by dipping tomatoes in hot water at 50 °C for 3 min and packaged under atmospheric air. The results showed that MJ+MAP and HT could delay ethylene production during tomato ripening and consequently slowed down the softening rate. MJ+MAP tomatoes showed better quality and less chilling injury (CI) symptoms than HT and control samples. Based on a nine-point score, shelf life criteria assumed that rejection would occur when the sensory attributes declined below 5. Control and HT overall acceptance scores were shown to fall below 5 scores after 3 and 6 weeks storage, while MJ+MAP had overall acceptance scores above 5 for up to 9 weeks. Control and HT samples could be stored for about 4 and 6 weeks, respectively, while MJ+MAP tomatoes could be stored for up to 9 weeks.     

采前氯吡脲处理对‘秦美’猕猴桃贮藏期间果实硬度及细胞壁降解的影响

以‘秦美’猕猴桃果实为试材,于盛花期后28 d分别采用0（对照,清水）、5、10、20 mg/L 4 个质量浓度的氯吡脲（1-(2-chloropyridin-4-yl)-3-phenylurea,CPPU）溶液进行蘸果处理,蘸果时间3～5 s,研究采前CPPU处理对‘秦美’猕猴桃贮藏期间果实硬度及细胞壁降解酶活力的影响。结果表明：CPPU处理加速了果实硬度、原果胶和纤维素质量分数的下降,提高了可溶性果胶质量分数及多聚半乳糖醛酸酶（polygalacturonase,PG）、果胶甲酯酶（pectin methylesterase,PME）、纤维素酶（cellulase,Cx）和β-半乳糖苷酶（β-D-galaetosidase,β-Gal）细胞壁降解活力。各处理组果实硬度与可溶性果胶质量分数和PG、Cx活力呈极显著负相关（P＜0.01）,与原果胶、纤维素质量分数呈极显著正相关（P＜0.01）;20 mg/L CPPU处理组果实的β-Gal活力与硬度呈显著负相关（P＜0.05）。CPPU处理提高了果实细胞壁降解酶的活力,促进了细胞壁的降解,加速了贮藏期间果实的软化,降低了果实的耐贮藏性。为维持猕猴桃采后果实硬度,延长贮藏期,生产中不宜使用CPPU处理,或使用的质量浓度不宜超过5 mg/L。     

Shelf life extension of peeled oranges by citric acid treatment

The microbial spoilage of peeled oranges was caused predominantly by Gram negative bacteriaEnterobacter agglomerans, andPseudomonasspp., and yeastsCryptococcus albidus, Rhodotorula glutinis, andSaccharomyces cerevisiae. Infusion of fruits with citric acid solution (0.1, 0.25, 0.5, and 1.0% w/v) during the peeling process reduced the surface pH of peeled fruits (from 6.0 to <4.6) and extended their shelf life in comparison with fruits infused with water only. Regardless of treatment method (dipping or infusion), maximal shelf life extension was attained with 0.5% w/v citric acid for 4°C storage or 1.0% w/v citric acid for 8 and 21°C storage. Infusion of 0.5% w/v citric acid extended shelf life of both peeled whole and chunked fruits. The extension of shelf life resulted primarily from the inhibition of spoilage bacteria.     

Organic acids of various kinds of vegetables. IV. Changes in the acids and sugar in tomatoes, sweet peppers and cucumbers during development and ripening

Concentrations of organic acids and sugars in tomatoes and sweet peppers change notably during ripening. The concentration of malic acid decreases while that of citric acid increases considerably and in redripe fruits clearly exceeds the content of malic acid. Several maxima and minima in acid concentrations occur during development. Both species show constant proportions of citric and isocitric acid (200:1 and 30:1 respectively). In sweet pepper, quinic and ascorbic acid can be found in noticeably higher amounts than in tomatoes. Additionally, succinic acid was detected in tomatoes and fumaric and shikimic acid in sweet pepper. Glucose and fructose, in approximately equal amounts, are the main sugar components; their concentrations are increased during ripening, especially in sweet peppers. The leaves of tomatoes and sweet pepper contain more malic acid and less citric acid than redripe fruits, though here as well citric acid predominates. There is considerably less glucose and fructose present in the leaves of sweet pepper than in the fruits while sucrose is increased. Sucrose is the main sugar component in the leaves. Compared to tomatoes and sweet peppers, egg-plants contain more amounts. - Potatoes contain citric, malic, quinic, succinic, fumaric, and soluble oxalic acid (in order of decreasing amounts). - In cucumbers malic acid notably exceeds citric acid. Both acids hardly change in concentration during ripening. Sugar content decreases during ripening.     

Extended shelf-life of unrefrigerated prerigor cooked meat

Five experiments were conducted to evaluate the microbial quality of unrefrigerated cooked prerigor beef after the application of oxygen-permeable packaging. Specific objectives were to combine the beneficial effects of aerobic packaging, meat surface acidification and prerigor rapid cooking rates on meat storage stability at ambient temperature. In the experiments, the triceps brachii muscle was dissected from one side 45 min after exanguination of the animal, and samples of 2 × 3 × 5 cm were prepared. Bags made of a strong barrier, plastic film, and a highly oxygen permeable oriented polypropylene, were used. The cooking of the packaged samples covered a number of treatments ranging from cooking in a 70°C water bath to an internal sample temperature of 65°C to cooking in 100°C water for 40 min. Reheating and multiple heat treatments were also included. The pH values of the cooked samples were determined and aerobic plate counts (log(10)/g) were determined for the cooked samples at various intervals during two weeks of storage at 22°C or at 3°C for the control samples. The results indicate that heat treatment alone did not improve shelf stability at 22°C. However, dipping the samples in 80°C solutions of 0·7% citric acid or 1·25% lactic acid for 1 min and draining for 1 min followed by packaging using oxygen permeable bags and cooking in 100°C water for 40 min consistently resulted in shelf stable products at all 22°C storage intervals. The lactic acid treatment was superior to the citric acid treatment because it completely decontaminated the samples and delayed spoilage, especially at 3°C.     

QUALITY OF APPLE FRUIT IN RIGID FILM CONTAINERS

The storage quality of‘Delicious’ apples individually packaged in rigid film containers was investigated. Objective quality attributes (internal and external color, firmness, soluble solids and titratable acidity) were measured as a function of storage time with and without packaging in a rigid container. Overall firmness, acidity and soluble solids content decreased over a 70-day storage period. Significant effects of rigid film packaging and storage included: superior skin color, decreased weight loss, slight decrease in soluble solids content and increased firmness loss during ripening when compared to control fruit. Upon examination of the atmosphere surrounding individual fruit in these containers, increased levels of carbon dioxide and ethylene were found. Conversely, packaged fruit contained significantly less internal carbon dioxide than control samples. It was concluded that the atmosphere modified by the rigid film container hastened ripening of‘Delicious’ apples, thus deteriorating eating quality. An adequately ventilated packaged would probably alleviate this condition.