Browning characteristics of fresh-cut ‘Tsugaru’ apples as affected by pre-slicing storage atmospheres

The change in browning characteristics of the slices processed from ‘Tsugaru’ apples stored at 0 °C for 5 months under controlled atmosphere (CA, 1 kPa O₂ + 1 kPa CO₂, 3 kPa O₂ + 3 kPa CO₂) or air has been investigated for 5 days at 20 °C. Respiration and ethylene production of the slices from apples stored in CA were retarded. Electrolyte leakage and browning index were lower in the slices from apples stored under CA than air. Vitamin C and phenolic contents in the slices from apples stored under air were maintained at higher level compared to the slices from apples stored under CA. Polyphenol oxidase activity in the slices was not affected by pre-slicing storage atmospheres. Therefore, the atmospheres of pre-slicing storage affected browning development in fresh-cut products of ‘Tsugaru’ apples and browning was found to be correlated with the levels of electrolyte leakage and phenolic compounds.     

BROWNING INHIBITION AND QUALITY MAINTENANCE OF FRESH-CUT CHINESE WATER CHESTNUT BY ANOXIA TREATMENT

Experiments were conducted to test the effects of anoxia treatments on the quality of fresh‐cut Chinese water chestnut (CWC). Fresh‐cut CWC was exposed to pure N₂ for 0 (control) or 4 h, then placed in trays overwrapped with plastic film and finally stored at 4C. Changes in surface discoloration, eating quality, disease incidence, concentrations of total soluble solids and titratable acidity, activities of phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) and polyphenol oxidase (PPO), and membrane permeability were analyzed. The short‐term anoxia treatment significantly inhibited surface discoloration and disease development, and markedly reduced the loss of eating quality in association with a higher concentration of total soluble solids. Exposure of fresh‐cut CWC to pure N₂ gas for 4 h significantly reduced membrane permeability, but it increased PAL and PPO activities. Thus, the browning inhibition of the fresh‐cut CWC by the short‐term anoxia treatment may be because of the maintenance of compartmentation between enzymes and their substrates, preventing enzymatic reaction. The result suggests that short‐term anoxia treatment exhibits potential for extending the shelf life of fresh‐cut CWC.     

Effect of pure oxygen atmosphere on antioxidant enzyme and antioxidant activity of harvested litchi fruit during storage

The effects of pure oxygen on pericarp browning, reactive oxygen species (ROS) metabolism, antioxidant enzyme and antioxidant activity of harvested litchi fruit were investigated. Application of pure oxygen significantly prevented pericarp browning and delayed the increase in membrane permeability of litchi fruit during storage. Litchi fruit exposed to pure oxygen showed a lower level of lipid peroxides, compared to control fruit, with the delay in the increases of both H₂O₂ content and superoxide production rate. Furthermore, it was found that the treatment with pure oxygen induced the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), ascorbated peroxidase (APX) and catalase (CAT), which could be beneficial in scavenging of H₂O₂ and superoxide and alleviating lipid peroxidation. In addition, antioxidant ability (reducing power and free-radical scavenging activity against DPPH radical, superoxide anions and hydroxyl radical) of methanol extracts from litchi fruit pericarp declined gradually, with decreasing contents of anthocyanins and phenolic compounds, as storage time of the fruit progressed. There was a linear relationship between the contents of either anthocyanins or phenolic compounds and antioxidant ability or free radical scavenging activity. Treatment with pure oxygen markedly increased antioxidant ability, which was related to higher levels of anthocyanins and phenolic compounds, compared with those of control fruit. It is suggested that enhanced antioxidant activity and antioxidant enzyme induced by pure oxygen may contribute to alleviating lipid peroxidation and maintenance of membrane integrity, which reduced decompartmentation of enzymes and substrates, resulting in enzymatic browning.     

Effects of modified atmosphere package (MAP) with a silicon gum film window and storage temperature on the quality and antioxidant system of stored Agrocybe chaxingu

Packages of Agrocybe chaxingu with or without silicon gum film windows were flushed with an initial modified atmosphere (MA) 100 mL/L O₂, 100 mL/L CO₂ and balance N₂ and stored at 1 °C and 3 °C, respectively. The changes in gas headspace, sensory, content of malondialdehyde (MDA), generation of superoxide anion, the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and peroxidase (POD) of mushroom were investigated. A. chaxingu stored in MAP without silicon gum film window at 1 °C had the poorest sensory quality because of chilling injury and physiological injury caused by a combination of storage temperature and poor atmosphere conditions (O₂ under 9 mL/L and CO₂ above 172 mL/L since Day 4). These injuries induced a relatively high content of MDA and generation of superoxide anion. The antioxidant enzyme system, including SOD, CAT and POD, was stimulated, to increase activities and scavenge the reactive oxygen species (ROS) to reduce injury during the initial storage period. However, these injuries also induced senescence of the stored mushroom, which resulted in decreased activities of antioxidant enzyme system. The activities of antioxidant enzyme system of A. chaxingu stored in MAP with silicon gum film window at 3 °C was the most favourable to delay the senescence process in the latter part of storage period, and the mushroom had the best quality to the end of storage.     

Fruit quality and physiological responses of litchi cultivar McLean's Red to 1-methylcyclopropene pre-treatment and controlled atmosphere storage conditions

The effect of 1-MCP pre-treatment and two different controlled atmosphere storage conditions (CA-1, 17% O₂ + 6% CO₂; CA-2, 7% O₂ + 3% CO₂) on fruit quality parameters and physiological changes with respect to pericarp browning in ‘McLean's Red’ litchi were investigated. Fruits were pre-treated with 1-MCP (500 nl/l) and held at CA-1 or CA-2 for 21 d at 2 °C and at 90% RH. Stand-alone CA-1 or stand-alone CA-2 and the commercially adopted sulphur dioxide (SO₂) treatment were included in this study for comparison. Of the five treatments 1-MCP + CA-1 was most effective in preventing browning, loss of red colour (colour value a*) of the pericarp, ascorbic acid content; and retaining acceptable SSC/TA and taste. Fruit from 1-MCP + CA-1 showed higher overall acceptance after 21 d storage without any off-flavour according to the sensory panel data.1-MCP + CA-1 reduced the polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and peroxidase (POD) activity, retained membrane integrity and anthocyanin content during storage. Although SO₂ treatment prevents browning it showed negative effects on SSC/TA, taste and membrane integrity. Stand-alone CA-2 condition indicated higher pericarp browning, PPO, POD activity and loss of membrane integrity. Therefore, 1-MCP pre-treatment and CA-1 retains overall fruit quality for up to 21 d.     

Physicochemical changes in fresh-cut wax apple (Syzygium samarangenese [Blume] Merrill & L.M. Perry) during storage

Physicochemical changes, such as peel and flesh colours, total anthocyanin content, browning index, firmness, total soluble solid (TSS), titratable acidity (TA), sugar acid ratio (TSS/TA), antioxidant capacity, total phenolic content and ascorbic acid content, in fresh-cut Taaptimjan wax apple fruit stored at 4 ± 2 °C and 12 ± 2 °C for 7 days were investigated. The skin of fresh-cut fruit stored at 4 ± 2 °C showed higher a^∗ value, chroma and total anthocyanin content and lower hue angle than those stored at 12 ± 2 °C. Lightness (L^∗ value) and whiteness index of the fresh-cut fruit flesh stored at 12 ± 2 °C showed significantly lower than those stored at 4 ± 2 °C which related to an significant increase in browning index. Firmness, total soluble solid, titratable acidity and sugar acid ratio did not significant changes during storage. Antioxidant capacity and total phenolic content increased throughout storage. Ascorbic acid content of the fresh-cut fruit stored at 4 ± 2 °C remained constant throughout storage whilst ascorbic content at 12 ± 2 °C decreased and was lower than that at 4 ± 2 °C. At 4 ± 2 °C antioxidant capacity and ascorbic acid content were higher than that stored at 12 ± 2 °C whilst there was no significant difference in total phenolic content. In conclusion, the reduction of whiteness index and the increase in browning index of fresh-cut wax apple flesh were the key factors affecting its quality and storage at 4 ± 2 °C could reduce the change in the flesh colour and maintained the peel colour and nutritional values of fresh-cut wax apple fruit during storage.     

Fatty acid composition and antioxidant system in relation to susceptibility of loquat fruit to chilling injury

Two cultivars of loquat fruit with contrasting chilling resistance were stored at 1 °C for 35 days to investigate the relationship between chilling injury and fatty acid composition and its antioxidant system. No symptoms of chilling injury occurred in the fruit of ‘Qingzhong’ cultivar during the whole storage, whereas in ‘Fuyang’ fruit, chilling injury increased sharply after 21 days of storage at 1 °C. ‘Qingzhong’ fruit had lower levels of superoxide radical and H₂O₂, in addition to lower lipoxygenase activity, but higher membrane lipid unsaturation and higher activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase than ‘Fuyang’. Furthermore, the chilling resistant ‘Qingzhong’ fruit also showed higher activities of antioxidant enzymes involved in ascorbate–glutathione cycle and higher levels of ascorbate acid and reduced glutathione. These results suggest that the higher membrane lipid unsaturation and the more efficient antioxidant system were both beneficial in enhancing resistance of loquat fruit to chilling injury.     

Modified atmosphere packaging inhibits browning in fennel

The effects of modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) to inhibit browning of the butt end cut zone of fennel bulbs stored during 14 days at 0°C followed by complementary air storage during 3 days at 15°C were studied. Selected bulbs were placed in 35 μm oriented polypropylene bags or in plastic baskets heat-sealed with nonperforated or perforated (control) polypropylene film. Changes in respiratory rate, ethylene emission, colour of both external leaves and butt end cut, as well as chemical and sensory attributes and browning development were monitored. A low to moderate nonclimacteric respiratory behaviour at 0°C with a respiration rate of 8-9 mg CO₂ kg⁻¹ h⁻¹ and an ethylene emission of 0.2-0.5 μl C₂H₄ kg⁻¹ h⁻¹ were found. Development of fungal attacks, chilling injury, decay and browning of external leaves were not detected for any treatment. All the MAP inhibited browning development of the butt end cut when evaluated after cold storage. However only the atmosphere of 6-7 kPa O₂ and 10-12 kPa CO₂ delayed that process at the end of complementary shelf life.     

Antioxidant potential of aroma compounds obtained by limonene biotransformation of orange essential oil

The antioxidant activities of a limonene biotransformation extract and of some standard monoterpenes present in the extract were assessed using four antioxidant assays: total antioxidant capacity, based on the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical-scavenging assay, lipid peroxidation by the thiobarbituric acid (TBA) assay, superoxide anion release by cultured leukemic cells and glutathione S-transferase (GSTs) activity. The limonene biotransformation extract had free radical-scavenging activity (EC₅₀ = 2.09%, v/v) and inhibited lipid peroxidation (IC₅₀ = 0.13%, v/v). The extract, perillyl alcohol and α-terpineol inhibited lipid peroxidation by ∼80% at a concentration of 0.02% (v/v). Perillyl alcohol and α-terpineol also reduced the release of superoxide anions by cultured leukemic cells, by 3- and 10-fold, respectively, at concentrations of <0.02% (v/v). The biotransformation extract inhibited the conversion of nitrophenyl acetate to p-nitrophenol in the glutathione assay by ∼50%. These results indicate that, in addition to monoterpenes, other non-volatile compounds may contribute to the antioxidant activity of the biotransformation extract.     

Effects of lactate and modified atmospheric packaging on premature browning in cooked ground beef patties

Our objectives were to determine the effects of lactate and modified atmosphere packaging on raw surface color, lipid oxidation, and internal cooked color of ground beef patties. Eight chubs (85% lean) were divided in half and each half was either assigned to the control (no lactate) or mixed with 2.5% lactate (w/w). Following treatment, patties were prepared and packaged in either vacuum, PVC (atmospheric oxygen level), high-oxygen (80% O₂ + 20% CO₂), or 0.4% CO (30% CO₂ + 69.6% N₂) and stored for 0, 2, or 4 days at 2 °C. After storage, raw surface color and lipid oxidation were measured and patties were cooked to either 66 °C or 71 °C. Lactate improved (p < 0.05) color stability of PVC, high-oxygen, and vacuum packaged raw patties, but had no effect (p > 0.05) on the a∗ values and visual color scores of patties in 0.4% CO. Lactate decreased (p < 0.05) lipid oxidation in all packaging atmospheres. Nevertheless, high-oxygen and PVC-packaged patties had more (p < 0.05) lipid oxidation than patties in CO and vacuum. Lactate had no effect (p > 0.05) on premature browning, whereas patties packaged in high-oxygen demonstrated premature browning. Conversely, cooked patties in 0.4% CO and vacuum were more red (p < 0.05) than both high-oxygen and PVC-packaged patties. Although lactate improved raw color stability, it did not minimize premature browning in cooked ground beef patties.     

Exogenous salicylic acid inhibits browning of fresh-cut Chinese water chestnut

The potential usage of salicylic acid (SA) as a powerful anti-browning agent in fresh-cut Chinese water chestnut (CWC) was investigated. The fresh-cut CWC were dipped for 1 min in solutions of 0, 1, 2 or 4 mM SA, then placed in trays over-wrapped with plastic films, and finally stored at 4 °C. Changes in color, eating quality, and disease incidence were evaluated, while activities of phenol-associated enzymes, polyphenol oxidase (PPO), peroxidase (POD) and phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL), and concentrations of total soluble solid, titratable acidity and ascorbic acid were measured. SA treatment delayed discoloration, maintained eating quality with higher content of the quality attributers, and reduced activities of or delayed the increases in activities of PPO, POD and PAL in fresh-cut CWC. However, SA had no significant inhibition of the activities of PPO and POD in an in vitro test, indicating that the beneficial effect of SA was indirect. Further research is needed to elucidate the inhibition of the surface browning of the fresh-cut CWC by SA.     

Antioxidant and free radical scavenging potential of Achillea santolina extracts

The antioxidative activities of hydroalcoholic extract of Achillea santolina were investigated employing various established in vitro systems including total antioxidant activity in linoleic acid emulsion system, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), superoxide and hydroxyl radicals scavenging, reducing power, and inhibitory effect on protein oxidation as well as the inhibition of Fe²⁺/ascorbate induced lipid peroxidation in rat liver homogenate. Total phenolic and flavonoid content of A. santolina extract (ASE) was also determined by a colorimetric method. The results revealed that ASE has notable inhibitory activity on peroxides formation in linoleic acid emulsion system along with concentration-dependent quenching of DPPH and superoxide radicals. Furthermore, the extract showed both nonsite-specific (Fe²⁺ + H₂O₂ + EDTA) and site-specific (Fe²⁺ + H₂O₂) hydroxyl radical scavenging suggesting potent hydroxyl radical scavenging and chelating ability for iron ions in deoxyribose degradation model. A linear correlation between ASE and the reducing power was also observed (r² = 0.9981). ASE prevents thiobarbituric acid reactive substances formation in Fe²⁺/ascorbate induced lipid peroxidation in rat liver tissue in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, free radical induced protein oxidation was suppressed significantly by the addition of ASE over a range of concentration. These results clearly demonstrated that A. santolina extract possess a marked antioxidant activity.     

Effect of temperature and air velocity on drying kinetics, antioxidant capacity, total phenolic content, colour, texture and microstructure of apple (var. Granny Smith) slices

The aim of this work was to study the effect of temperature and air velocity on the drying kinetics and quality attributes of apple (var. Granny Smith) slices during drying. Experiments were conducted at 40, 60 and 80 °C, as well as at air velocities of 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 m s⁻¹. Effective moisture diffusivity increased with temperature and air velocity, reaching a value of 15.30 × 10⁻⁹ m² s⁻¹ at maximum temperature and air velocity under study. The rehydration ratio changed with varying both air velocity and temperature indicating tissue damage due to processing. The colour difference, ΔE, showed the best results at 80 °C. The DPPH-radical scavenging activity at 40 °C and 0.5 m s⁻¹ showed the highest antioxidant activity, closest to that of the fresh sample. Although ΔE decreased with temperature, antioxidant activity barely varied and even increased at high air velocities, revealing an antioxidant capacity of the browning products. The total phenolics decreased with temperature, but at high air velocity retardation of thermal degradation was observed. Firmness was also determined and explained using glass transition concept and microstructure analysis.     

Determination of lutein and zeaxanthin and antioxidant capacity of supercritical carbon dioxide extract from daylily (Hemerocallis disticha)

Lutein and zeaxanthin were extracted from daylily (Hemerocallis disticha) flowers using supercritical fluid extraction-carbon dioxide (SFE-CO₂) at a temperature range of 50–95 °C and pressure range of 300–600 bar. The extracts were analysed by HPLC with a C30 column and an isocratic solvent system: methanol/methyl-tert-butyl ether = 86/14 (v/v). Moreover, the antioxidant capacities of the extracts were evaluated by a 2,2-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging assay and a chemiluminescence assay to measure the scavenging activity of hydrogen peroxide, superoxide anion and hydroxyl radical. The optimal lutein and zeaxanthin extraction could be achieved at 80 °C and 600 bar, and the extraction pressure was the most important parameter for SFE-CO₂. In addition, the extracts had significantly higher antioxidant activities in all antioxidant assays.     

Polyphenol oxidase activity,phenolic acid composition and browning in cashew apple (Anacardium occidentale, L.) after processing

This study describes the extraction and characterisation of cashew apple polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and the effect of wounding on cashew apple phenolic acid composition, PPO activity and fruit browning. Purification factor was 59 at 95% (NH₄)₂SO₄ saturation. For PPO activity, the optimal substrate was catechol and the optimum pH was 6.5. PPO K_m and V_max values were 18.8 mM and 13.6 U min⁻¹ ml⁻¹, respectively. Ascorbic acid, citric acid, sodium sulphite and sodium metabisulphite decreased PPO activity, while sodium chloride increased PPO activity. Wounding at 2 °C and 27 °C for 24 h increased PPO activity but storage at 40 °C reduced PPO activity. Gallic acid, protocatechuic acid and cinnamic acid (free and conjugate) were identified in cashew apple juice. Cutting and subsequent storage at 40 °C hydrolysed cinnamic acid. 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural content in cashew apple juice increased after injury and storage at higher temperatures, indicating non-enzymatic browning.     

Efficacy of sodium chlorite as an inhibitor of enzymatic browning in apple slices

Sodium chlorite (SC) is an effective sanitizer for inhibiting microbial growth. This investigation was conducted to determine the efficacy of SC as a browning control agent for use on fresh-cut apple slices, applied alone, or in conjunction with organic acids. Additionally, the authors compared the efficacy of SC to that of acidified sodium chlorite (ASC) and to several other salts and examined the effect of pH and several different organic acids on efficacy of SC. The fresh-cut apple slices were dipped in treatment solutions for 1 min, then drained and placed in plastic containers at 20 °C for 24 h, and finally stored in polyethylene bags at 5 °C for 2 weeks. Color was measured periodically during storage. Lightness (L) values for all treated and control samples measured at 4 h, 24 h, and 2 weeks of storage were compared to L value for untreated samples measured immediately after cutting. Percent decrease in L-values was calculated for each sample at each time interval. Apple slices treated in ASC or SC solution had a significantly smaller decrease in L value indicating less browning than those treated in citric acid or water control at 4 h (P < 0.01), and with the exception of 1 g L⁻¹ ASC and 0.1 g L⁻¹ SC, all other ASC and SC treated slices still had significantly less browning than those for the water control (P < 0.01) at 24 h. After 2 weeks of storage, only SC (0.5–1.0 g L⁻¹), sodium bisulfite (0.5 g L⁻¹) and calcium l-ascorbate (10 g L⁻¹) continued to inhibit browning. Treatment with 0.5 g L⁻¹ SC and pH adjusted in the range from 3.9 to 6.2 using citric acid (CA) reduced browning more effectively than 0.5 g L⁻¹ SC without pH adjustment. Two organic acids, salicylic acid and cinnamic acid, when added to SC solution, were found to achieve even better inhibition of browning than CA at the same pH value.     

Inhibition of browning on the surface of peach slices by short-term exposure to nitric oxide and ascorbic acid

The effect of 0.2% ascorbic acid (AA), 5 μM nitric oxide (NO), and the simultaneous use of 0.2% AA and 5 μM NO solutions on inhibiting surface browning of fresh-cut peach slices stored at 10 °C and RH 95% was investigated. The browning index, relative leakage rate, microstructure, total phenol content, and activity of the phenol metabolism-associated enzymes phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL), polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and peroxidase (POD) were evaluated. The results indicate that treatment with 0.2% AA, 5 μM NO and simultaneous use of 0.2% AA and 5 μM NO resulted in higher total phenol content, inhibition of PPO and POD activity, reduced membrane permeability and protection of cell microstructure to maintain compartmentation between enzymes and their substrates. In addition, NO increased PAL activity. The causes of inhibition in the browning of peach slices by NO are discussed.     

Chitosan and mint mixture: A new preservative for meat and meat products

Meat is prone to both microbial and oxidative spoilage and therefore it is desirable to use a preservative with both antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. Mint extract alone had good antioxidant activity but poor antimicrobial activity, while chitosan alone showed poor antioxidant activity with excellent antimicrobial properties. Therefore, the potential of chitosan and mint mixture (CM), as a preservative for meat and meat products, was investigated. Addition of chitosan to mint extract did not interfere with the antioxidant activity of mint. In the case of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay, the IC₅₀ value for CM (17.8 μg/ml) was significantly (p ? 0.05) lower than that for mint extract (23.6 μg/ml). CM efficiently scavenged superoxide and hydroxyl radicals. The antimicrobial activities of CM and chitosan were comparable against the common food spoilage and pathogenic bacteria, the minimum inhibitory concentration being 0.05%. CM was more effective against Gram-positive bacteria. The shelf life of pork cocktail salami, as determined by total bacterial count and oxidative rancidity, was enhanced in CM-treated samples stored at 0–3 °C.