Inhibition of melanosis formation in Pacific white shrimp by the extract of lead (Leucaena leucocephala) seed

Lead (Leucaena leucocephala) seed extract was prepared using distilled water as a medium. An extraction yield of 26.16 g/100 g of seed was obtained after extraction at room temperature for 12 h. Total phenolic and mimosine contents in the lead seed extract powder (LSEP) were 17.4 g GAE/100 g and 8.8 g/100 g, respectively. LSEP at different concentrations (0.05%, 0.1%, 0.25%, 0.5%, and 1%, w/v) showed inhibitory activity towards polyphenoloxidase (PPO) of Pacific white shrimp in a dose dependent manner. When the whole Pacific white shrimp were treated with 0.25% and 0.5% (w/v) LSEP, the shrimp treated with 0.5% LSEP had the lower melanosis score throughout the storage of 12 days and showed a higher score for colour and odour, as well as overall likeness, compared with the control (without treatment) and 1.25% sodium metabisulphite treated samples at day 12 (P < 0.05). Meat of shrimps treated with LSEP at both levels had the increase in mimosine content up to 8 days, suggesting the migration of mimosine into shrimp muscle during extended storage. Therefore, 0.5% LSEP can be used as a novel melanosis inhibitor for Pacific white shrimp.     

Effect of ferulic acid on inhibition of polyphenoloxidase and quality changes of Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) during iced storage

Effects of ferulic acid (FA) on polyphenoloxidase (PPO) and the quality changes of Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) during iced storage for 10 days were investigated. Both FA and oxygenated FA (OFA) with different concentrations (0.1%, 0.5%, 1% and 2% (w/v)) showed PPO inhibitory activity in a dose dependent manner. FA was generally more effective in PPO inhibition than was OFA. Based on activity staining, white shrimp PPO with an apparent molecular weight of 210 kDa was inhibited by FA. When whole shrimps were treated with FA solution with concentrations of 1% or 2% and stored in ice for up to 10 days, the increase in psychrophilic and mesophilic bacterial count were retarded, in comparison with the control and those treated with 1.25% sodium metabisulphite (SMS). The coincidental lower rates of increase in pH and total volatile base content were obtained. Additionally, shrimps treated with 2% FA possessed the lowest peroxide value and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) value during the storage. After 10 days of storage, shrimps treated with 2% FA had the lower melanosis score and higher score for colour, flavour and overall likeness, compared with the control and SMS treated shrimps (P < 0.05).     

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.     

Protective effect of cysteine—HCl on vitamin C in dehydrated pickled/candied pineapples and guava

Dehydrated pickled/candied guava and pineapples pretreated with 0.24 g kg^?1 cysteine hydrochloride (cys-HCl) had increased ascorbic acid retention and reduced colour change during storage. Dehydrated pineapples pretreated with cys-HCl had two to three times the ascorbic acid content of control or metabisulphite-treated products. The rate of ascorbic acid loss for all products stored at room temperature were similar, showing that cys-HCl was only protective towards ascorbic acid during the preparation and dehydration process. Candied dehydrated guava showed less colour change and higher ascorbic acid retention (about 57%) than pickled guava (ascorbic acid retention about 30%). Cys-HCl was quite effective in reducing browning of candied pineapples but not pickled pineapples. Sensory evaluation showed that candied guava pretreated with 0.24 g kg^?1 cys-HCl was generally preferred over the other dehydrated guava products. Cys-HCl-treated candied pineapples had the best flavour compared with all other dehydrated pineapple products. Cys-HCl appeared to favour conversion of glucose to fructose during storage of dehydrated pineapples.     

Honey inhibits lipid oxidation in ready-to-eat ground beef patties

Our objective was to evaluate the antioxidant capabilities of clover (CH) and wildflower honeys (WH) in delaying lipid oxidation in cooked and reheated ground beef patties stored in refrigerated and frozen states. CH and WH (5%, 10%, or 15% w/w) were each mixed separately into ground beef chuck (18% fat) and formed into 30 g patties mixed with 1% salt (w/w). A control (CON) with no honey and a control with sodium tripolyphosphate (STP; 0.25% w/w) were used for comparison. Patties were cooked to 71 °C, overwrapped with oxygen-permeable PVC film and either stored refrigerated (4 °C) for 12 days or frozen (−18 °C) for 45 days. Cook yield, pH and water activity were measured on day 0. On designated sampling days, patties were reheated to 71 °C. Thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) and lipid hydroperoxides (LOOH) were measured spectrophotometrically to assess lipid oxidation. TBARS and LOOH of ready-to-eat (RTE) ground beef patties containing either CH or WH were lower (P < 0.01) than CON patties following storage; however, STP patties had lower TBARS values than honey-containing patties (P < 0.01). WH and CH at 15% were equally effective in suppressing LOOH compared to STP in refrigerated and frozen patties. All honey concentrations improved cook yield, with 10% WH being more effective than STP. Both CH and WH delayed lipid oxidation in RTE ground beef patties stored at 4 °C and −18 °C, with WH decreasing LOOH formation in refrigerated patties as effectively as STP. Honey may be a natural alternative to phosphates to delay lipid oxidation.     

Quality Changes in Fresh-cut Peach and Nectarine Slices as Affected by Cultivar, Storage Atmosphere and Chemical Treatments

The shelf-life of slices from 13 cultivars of peaches and 8 cultivars of nectarines, varied (between 2 and 12 days at 0°C). Controlled atmospheres of 0.25 kPa O₂ and/or 10 kPa or 20 kPa CO₂ extended the shelf-life at 10°C of ‘O'Henry’ or ‘Elegant Lady’ peach slices by 1–2 days beyond the air control. Low (0.25 kPa) O₂ acted synergistically with CO₂ levels of 10 and 20 kPa to induce fermentative metabolism as indicated by ethanol and acetaldehyde production. A 2% (w/v) ascorbic acid + 1% (w/v) calcium lactate postcutting dip resulted in limited reduction of cut surface browning and tissue softening in ‘Carnival’ peach slices.     

Influence of pre-treatments on microbial load of stored dehydrated onion slices

Onions slices were pre-treated in potassium meta-bisulphite (KMS) and sodium chloride with different concentration levels to study the microbial load of tray and greenhouse-dried onion slices up to 6 months of storage. Data were analysed as per procedure of one-way classified anova using DMRT of AgRes statistical package for bacteria, yeast, fungi and Lactobacilli . Results revealed that in almost all samples, permissible levels of bacteria [18.33 × 10¹ colony-forming units (CFU) per gram], yeast (ND), fungi (0.5 × 10¹ CFU g⁻¹) and Lactobacilli (0.25 × 10¹ CFU g⁻¹) were observed after 5 months of storage. All the samples were also found to be free from Escherichia coli and no Mac Conkey growth was noticed. Onion slices pre-treated in 0.25% and 0.50% KMS and dried in tray and greenhouse, respectively, were found best after 6 months of storage period.     

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.     

Ascorbic Acid/Citric Acid Combinations in the Processing of Frozen Apple Slices

Sulfite replacement was investigated in a commercial apple freezing operation: Jonathan and Spy apple slices were vacuum-impregnated in 0.5% or 1% ascorbic acid (LAA) or D-araboascorbic acid (DAA). 0.25% or 0.5% citric acid (CA), 2h NaCl, and 0.25% CaCl₂ Treatments with DAA gave color and sensory properties equal to LAA treatments. Slice color was not significantly different between 0.5% and 1.0% ascorbic acid isomers and 0.25% or 0.5% CA. Shear measurements of Jonathan slices were significantly influenced by DAA and citric acid concentrations. Texture of Spy slices was not affected by treatment or storage. This study indicates that DAA may be substituted for more expensive LAA for treating Spy and Jonathan slices prior to freezing.     

Efficiency of Ultrasonic Incorporated Glutathione Treatment in Preserving the Physicochemical Quality and Preventing the Browning of Lotus Rhizome Slices

This study investigated the efficacy of 40-kHz (200 W) ultrasonication (US) for 2 min combined with glutathione (GSH) at 0.5% w/v (US + GSH) in preventing browning and preserving the physicochemical quality of lotus rhizome slices stored in a 4 ± 1 °C refrigerator. According to the visual appearance of the slices, US + GSH treatment more effectively inhibited the browning of the cut surface than did GSH or US treatment alone. US + GSH and GSH treatments were more effective than US and control treatments in preserving the slices’ colour attributes, such as their lightness and whiteness index values, and potentially retarded enzymatic browning reactions and increases in browning index and total colour difference values. Moreover, the application of US and US + GSH treatments noticeably preserved the texture of the slices. None of the treatments affected the total sugar content during storage. The US + GSH treatment markedly enhanced the ferric reducing antioxidant potential of the slices during storage. The slices treated with US, GSH, and US + GSH exhibited slower reductions in 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging activity than did the controls. In conclusion, US + GSH treatment is a feasible approach for inhibiting browning, maintaining texture, and inducing antioxidant activity in lotus rhizome slices during storage.     

Prickly pear sheets: a new fruit product

Dried sheets (Teen-Edin) from prickly pear (Taifi cultivar) fruits were made and the composition of the pulp and the optimum formulation sheet was analysed. The optimum formulation was obtained by adding to fruit pulp (100%), 10% sucrose, 1.1% citric acid, 0.15% sodium metabisulphite, and 0.5% olive oil (w/w). Sodium metabisulphite improved the colour and citric acid produced a similar acid taste to the traditional apricot sheets. The sheets were highly acceptable to a small panel and have potential for manufacture as a possible alternative to apricot sheets (Kamar-Eddin). The technique could also be used for preservation in many other arid parts of the world where prickly pears grow.     

Chemical changes in the non-volatile fraction of Brazilian honeys during storage under tropical conditions

The chemical transformations of the non-volatile fraction of Brazilian honeys during storage in tropical condition were monitored. Five systems, namely: 1 – fresh samples; 2 and 3 – samples heated for 3 and 6 months at 35–40 °C; 4 and 5 – samples left under similar conditions to systems 2 and 3, but containing sodium metabisulphite (120 ppm), were tested. The major transformations during storage occurred in the free and lactone acidity, diastase activity and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF) content. Storage modified diastase activity and the content of 5-HMF to an extent that the samples could not remain classified as fresh honey. The action of sodium metabisulphite in the control of the 5-HMF formation seemed to be dependent on other honey characteristics, such as its botanical origin. Sodium metabisulphite also influenced the development of the internal esterification reaction that converts gluconic acid into its corresponding lactone.     

Comparison of high pressure treatment and thermal pasteurization effects on the quality and shelf life of guava puree

The effects of high pressures and thermal pasteurization on the survival of microorganisms, enzyme inactivation and quality changes of guava puree during storage at 4°C were investigated and compared with untreated samples. After treatment at a pressure of 600MPa and 25°C for 15 min, the microorganisms in guava puree were inactivated to less than 10 cfu mL⁻¹ and the product exhibited no change in colour, pectin, cloud and ascorbic acid content as compared with fresh samples. The inactivation of enzymes in guava puree by thermal pasteurization was greater than by high pressures. The microbial count in guava puree reduced to 200 cfu mL⁻¹ and the product showed marked changes in viscosity, turbidity and colour when heated at 88–90°C for 24s. The content of pectin, cloud and ascorbic acid as well as colour in untreated and high pressurized (400MPa) guava puree gradually decreased, whereas these changes were not observed in pasteurized (88–90°C) and high pressurized (6000MPa) puree during storage at 4°C for 60 days. The guava puree treated at 600MPa and 25°C for 15 min retained good quality similar to the freshly extracted puree after storage at 4°C for 40 days.     

Effect of chitosan coating on maintenance of aril quality,microbial population and PPO activity of pomegranate (Punica granatum L. cv. Tarom) at cold storage temperature

BACKGROUND: Chitosan edible coating was used in an attempt to extend the storage life of pomegranate arils during 12 days at 4 °C. Prior to storage, treated arils were dipped in 0.25, 0.5 and 1% (w/v) chitosan aqueous solutions and 1% (v/v) acetic acid for 1 min, while control arils were dipped in distilled water with 1% (v/v) acetic acid. RESULTS: Chitosan coating inhibited bacterial and fungal growth on the surface of arils. The water content of arils coated with 0.5 and 1% chitosan was maintained during 12 days of storage. Chitosan reduced the increase in total soluble solids (TSS) and titratable acidity (TA) of arils during storage. The lowest TSS and TA were detected in arils coated with 0.5 and 1% chitosan, which maintained the highest TSS/TA ratio after 12 days of storage. In contrast, application of chitosan delayed the decrease in total phenolics, total anthocyanins and antioxidant capacity during storage. The results also showed that chitosan coating suppressed the monophenolase activity of polyphenol oxidase (PPO) with pyrogallol substrate and the diphenolase activity of PPO with dopamine hydrochloride substrate, but the diphenolase activity of PPO with pyrocatechol substrate increased during storage. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that chitosan coating has the potential to extend the storage life of pomegranate arils by reducing the microbial population on their surface. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry     

Determination of a thermal process schedule for guava (Psidium guajava Linn.)

A thermal process schedule for guava canned in syrup has been evolved on the basis of inactivation of pectinesterase (PE) which was found to be more heat resistant than peroxidase. The values for thermal inactivation and thermal resistance of PE in syrup homogenate containing guava pulp and sugar syrup in the ratio of 11:6 and total soluble solids content of 20% at pH 4.0 were     respectively. The F value of 1 was equivalent to 1.69 D . In commercial canning, a 2.5 D process is recommended which ensures a microbiologically safe and organoleptically acceptable product.
Process time was calculated both by graphical and formula methods. Calculation by the formula method using slopes of heating and cooling curves plotted on semilog paper by least squares analysis, and f _h/ U :g tables for actual values of j _c gave process times very close to those obtained by the graphical method. The process times required at different initial and processing temperatures are given.
To minimize viscosity increase in the covering syrup during storage, firming of guava in 1% calcium chloride solutions for 30 min prior to canning is suggested. In addition, use of covering syrup containing 0.125% ascorbic acid with or without citric acid (0.06%) yields a product of good colour, texture and flavour.     

Ethanolic guava leaf extract with different chlorophyll removal processes: Antioxidant properties and its preventive effect on lipid oxidation in Pacific white shrimp

Sedimentation process (GLE-S) or chloroform (GLE-Ch) were used for dechlorophyllisation of ethanolic guava leaf extract (EGLE). EGLE without chlorophyll removal (GLE-C) was served as control. Among all the extracts, GLE-S had the lowest chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and total chlorophyll contents (P < 0.05). Extraction yield was highest in GLE-C, followed by GLE-S and GLE-Ch, respectively. Total phenolic content and antioxidant properties were highest in GLE-S (P < 0.05). When Pacific white shrimp (PWS) was pre-treated with GLE-S at varying doses (0.5% and 1%), lipid oxidation products were monitored as compared to the control (CON) and those pre-treated with 1.25% sodium metabisulphite (SMS-1.25) during refrigerated storage (4°C) for 12 days. Lower lipid oxidation was recorded for PWS pre-treated with GLE-S, especially at 1%. Therefore, sedimentation process, a green method, showed promising efficacy for producing EGLE free of green colour with improved antioxidant properties. The extract effectively reduced lipid oxidation in PWS during refrigerated storage.     

Effect of acacia (Robinia pseudo-acacia L.) honey on the characteristic microflora of yogurt during refrigerated storage

The primary purpose of this research was to monitor the influence of acacia honey addition to yogurt milk on survival of the microbial flora of yogurt during refrigerated storage for 6 wk. Results showed that the presence of honey at 1.0% to 5.0% (w/v) did not significantly influence (P>0.05) the viability of characteristic microorganisms (i.e., Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus) in yogurt during storage at 4 degrees C. Similarly, honey had no effect on pH and lactic acid levels of the final products. Despite these findings, enrichment of yogurt with honey is recommended because honey is a natural sweetener that possesses a wide range of beneficial nutritional properties. In addition, at a rate of approximately 3.0% (w/v), it highly improves the sensory quality of the finished product without having a detrimental effect on characteristic lactic acid bacteria.     

Influence of pre-treatment and storage temperature on the evolution of the colour of dried persimmon

Drying could be a way of increasing in the value of the large quantity of persimmon that is rejected for fresh consumption, being the colour one of the main attributes of the product. Although the use of sulphites is one of the most widely extended methods of preservation their undesirable effects on asthma sufferers currently limit their application. An interesting alternative could be to use citric acid combined with an adequate storage temperature. To that end, dried persimmon slices were stored at 4 temperatures (2, 10, 18 and 28 °C) for 409 days. Before drying, one group of samples was pre-treated (15 min) in a solution of potassium meta-bisulphite (3% w/w), other two groups (15 and 35 min respectively) in a solution of citric acid (3% w/w) and the last group (control) was untreated. The L, a and b CIE-Lab coordinates were measured during storage and the colour change, ΔE, was estimated. The experimental results were modelled using first-order kinetics and Peleg’s model. The citric acid pre-treatment turned out to be an interesting alternative to SO₂ taking into account that its effect was more effective at temperatures lower than 18 °C. No significant differences were found between the two citric acid pre-treatments, being, therefore, the shortest pre-treatment the most interesting one. More experiments are necessary to establish an optimum content of citric acid in samples.     

1-Methylcyclopropene Counteracts Ethylene-Induced Microbial Growth on Fresh-Cut Watermelon

ABSTRACT:  The effects of exogenous ethylene, 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP), or both on microbial growth on watermelon fruit and watermelon slices were investigated. Freshly harvested seedless watermelons ( Citrullus lanatus , cv. Sugar Heart) were treated with 0.5 or 1.0 ppm 1-MCP, 10 ppm ethylene, 1-MCP + ethylene, or left untreated as controls. Fruits were processed into wedge-shaped slices, packaged into rigid trays sealed with a polyethylene film with a 29.2 pmol s⁻¹ m⁻² Pa⁻¹ oxygen transmission rate. The slices were evaluated after 0-, 6-, and 12-d storage at 5 °C. Ethylene treatment alone increased the populations of aerobic bacteria, lactic acid bacteria, and yeasts and molds on the packaged slices during storage compared to those on corresponding control slices and resulted in extensive juice leakage from the slices. The ethylene treatment also resulted in high aerobic bacterial counts throughout the flesh of whole melons compared to the controls. Treating watermelons with 0.5 or 1.0 ppm 1-MCP prior to ethylene exposure counteracted the deleterious effects of ethylene. Extending the time from harvest to 1-MCP treatment increased the population of aerobic bacteria, but had no detectable effect on the growth of lactic acid bacteria or yeasts and molds. The results indicate that low concentrations (0.5 or 1.0 ppm) of 1-MCP can be used on whole watermelon to avoid deleterious effects of exogenous ethylene to which the melons could be exposed during shipping or storage.     

Influence of various preservatives on the quality of minced beef under modified atmosphere at chilled storage

The effect of preservatives on microbial quality, pH, drip-loss, roasting-loss, colour, and sensorial properties of modified atmosphere packaged (70% O₂ and 30% CO₂) minced beef (M. semimembranosus) stored at (2 ± 0.5 °C) for 12 days was investigated. Beef cubes (approx. 20 × 20 × 20 mm size) were immersed in solutions of 2% and 5% lactic acid, 2% lactic acid combined with 0.5% sodium ascorbate, 20% potassium lactate and 20% potassium sorbate before mincing. Addition of lactic acid was associated with pH drop, which increased drip-loss and roasting-loss. Application of all additives inhibited aerobic micro-organisms (10³–10⁴ CFU g⁻¹ on day 12) compared to reference sample (9 × 10⁵ CFU g⁻¹ on day 12). Lactic acid discoloured samples, while sodium ascorbate seemed to improve colour stability. Despite good visual colour characteristics, potassium sorbate treated samples were organoleptically unacceptable with massive off-flavour.