Effect of heat treatment and refrigerated storage on antioxidant properties of pre-cut celery (Apium graveolens L.)

This work studies the effect of two types of heat treatment, dry air at 48°C for 1 h and water immersion at 50°C for 90 s, and of storage time at 0°C on a number of quality parameters for pre‐cut celery: browning potential, soluble phenols content, total flavonoids, chlorogenic acid, ascorbic acid and antioxidant capacity. Pre‐cut celery was placed in crystal polyethylene terephthalate trays covered with polyvinyl chloride film. Samples were taken after 0, 1, 7, 14 and 21 storage days. Treatments reduced browning potential and chlorogenic acid content and, in addition, allowed ascorbic acid concentration to be retained for a longer time. For this reason, the application of heat treatments in minimally processed celery would be beneficial.     

Browning susceptibility of minimally processed Baby and Romaine lettuces

 This study was conducted to determine the effects of cultivar, tissue susceptibility and storage temperature on the keeping quality of minimally processed Baby and Romaine lettuces. Midrib and photosynthetic tissues were lightly processed and stored for up to 7 days at 5  °C and 13  °C. Changes in L ^* and a ^* values and absorbance at 430 nm were compared. The relationship between polyphenols, phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activities and browning was examined. Measurements of L ^* and a ^* values on midribs showed that browning discoloration was the same for Baby as for Romaine lettuces and there was no relationship for temperature. In addition, L ^* and a ^* values in photosynthetic tissue indicated a decrease in green pigmentation during storage, especially at 13  °C. For both kinds of tissue at the end of cold storage an increase in soluble brown polymers was detected. In midribs, total phenolics increased significantly throughout the storage period because of the tissue-wounding response. The photosynthetic tissue had a higher phenolic content than the midrib one. For both kinds of tissue an increase in PPO activity occurred throughout cold storage. On the other hand, PAL activity in midrib tissue only increased initially, followed by a slow decline to reach normal levels. Browning potential estimated by L ^* values correlated significantly (P>95%) with PPO activity and with absorbance at 430 nm for Romaine lettuce. Based on colour and browning potential no differences between Romaine and Baby lettuce cultivars were observed. However, photosynthetic tissue was the most suitable tissue for the preparation of minimally processed salad mixes because of its high phenolic content. Received: 28 September 1998     

The effect of packaging treatment on the storage quality of minimally processed bunched onions

Storage quality of minimally processed (MP) bunched onions, as affected by plastic film packaging, was investigated to determine the optimum packing method for this vegetable product. Five different packaging treatments, including two passive modified atmosphere packaging (MAP), two active MAP and a moderate vacuum packaging (MVP), were used for MP bunched onions. Quality attributes of the samples were evaluated periodically in terms of weight loss, colour, decay ratio, microbial counts and sensory properties during storage at 10 °C for 28 days. Various sealed‐packaging treatments did not significantly influence changes in colour of white stem and green leaf tissues, flesh weight loss and microbiological populations including mesophiles, psychrotrophs and lactic acid bacteria. However, sensory attributes and disease incidence were affected by packaging type. MVP with a gas‐permeable plastic film retained better quality bunched onions, with reduced microbial decay and visual sensory aspects, as compared with the other packages.     

鲜切果蔬酶促褐变机理及控制研究进展

介绍酶促褐变的机理及与褐变相关的酶,并从物理、化学等方面介绍了一些新近发展的酶促褐变抑制方法.     

柠檬酸和异抗坏血酸钠处理对冷藏鲜切菠萝质量的影响

采用响应面方法,研究柠檬酸、异抗坏血酸钠处理和冷藏时间对鲜切菠萝颜色、硬度、失重和包装内气体组成的影响。新鲜菠萝片分别用0%～1.0%的柠檬酸和异抗坏血酸钠处理3min,然后装在塑料泡沫碟中,用PVC薄膜密封,在5℃冷库中贮藏0～14d。结果表明,异抗坏血酸钠显著地减缓L、a、b、失重(p≤0.001)和硬度(p≤0.1)的变化,但对包装内O2和CO2含量没有影响。柠檬酸对L、硬度和失重有影响(p≤0.1)。所有考察的指标在贮藏过程中均显著变化(p≤0.01)。建立的回归模型可充分预测柠檬酸、异抗坏血酸钠处理和冷藏时间对鲜切菠萝质量的影响。     

Light exposure inhibiting tissue browning and improving antioxidant capacity of fresh-cut celery (Apium graveolens var. dulce)

Fresh-cut celery is perishable and susceptible to tissue browning during storage. In this study, the effect of continuous light exposure (2000 lux) on browning related enzyme activity of fresh-cut celery was investigated during 8 d storage at 7 °C using darkness (0.2 lux) as control. Light exposure significantly suppressed polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and peroxidase (POD) activities, and subsequently decreased soluble quinone accumulation and browning index (BI) evolution during storage. In addition, phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) activity, total phenol (TP) content, and antioxidant capacity (AC) values were all higher when the fresh-cut celery samples were exposed to light than in darkness during storage. A significant positive correlation between TP and AC was observed at both light (R = 0.884, P < 0.01) and dark (R = 0.705, P < 0.01) conditions.     

Texture changes in fresh cut celery during refrigerated storage

The effect of refrigerated storage temperature (0 or 10 °C) on variations in texture and lignin content of minimally processed celery was assessed. In addition, the evolution of soluble phenols was studied, as well as changes in other quality parameters, namely weight loss, surface colour and contents of chlorophyll and free sugars. To this end, celery cuts were packaged on PVC film‐covered polystyrene trays. The maximum shear force required to cut the strips transversally followed a similar tendency during storage at both temperatures tested. Increases in lignin content were observed which could be related to corresponding texture increases during the first few days in cold storage. There was no evidence that lignification occurred by a cicatrix‐forming process in the wounds caused during cutting. Copyright © 2003 Society of Chemical Industry     

Natural essential oils as reducing agents of peroxidase activity in leafy vegetables

The effectiveness of natural essential oils eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus), tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia), melisa (Melissa officinalis), roomer (Rosmarinus officinalis), clove (Syzygium aromaticum) and lemon (Citrus limonum) to reduce peroxidase activity of organic leafy vegetables extracts was evaluated. Three oil concentrations at the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC, 2×MIC and 4×MIC) of each natural essential oils were used. Crude vegetable extracts of Swiss chard, spinach, lettuce, butter lettuce and cabbage were the source of peroxidase activity. The effectiveness of the essential oils as natural antioxidants varied with the enzyme sources. At the MIC, clove, rosemary, lemon, melisa and tea tree had the high antioxidant properties being clove more effective than the other oils.     

Effect of film and temperature on the sensory, microbiological and nutritional quality of minimally processed cauliflower

The effect of atmosphere modification, generated using three different packaging films, on the quality of cauliflower minimally processed when stored at 4 or 8 °C for up 20 days was evaluated. The colour, texture, weight loss, sensory attributes, as well as microbial counts and sugars and ascorbic acid content were determined. The atmosphere generated with the perforated polyvinylchloride (PVC) film was hardly modified, whereas the other two films (non-perforated PVC and polypropylene films) originated changes in CO₂ and O₂ levels during storage. The different packaging conditions and storage temperature influenced yellowing. An increase in shear force was observed. Weight losses were below 5%. Mesophiles and Pseudomonas counts were below 7 log CFU g⁻¹, the populations being lower with film B and film C than with film A. Cauliflower maintained an acceptable appearance in all the films studied. Total sugars decreased about 27% after 20 days of storage, whereas ascorbic acid did not change.     

Antioxidant capacity,ascorbic acid,total phenols and carotenoids changes during harvest and after storage of Hayward kiwifruit

The influences of harvest time and storage on the quality indices and nutritional content of kiwifruit were evaluated. Antioxidant capacity, ascorbic acid, total phenol content, carotenoids, soluble solids content and flesh firmness were determined in kiwifruit gathered at two different time (T1: 17-11-2005 and T2: 24-11-2005) and stored at 0 °C, for 2 or 6 months (S1 and S2, respectively). At the end of the cool storage, fruits were maintained for a week at 25 °C (S1 + 7d and S2 + 7d).     

Antioxidant activity of carrot juice in gamma irradiated beef sausage during refrigerated and frozen storage

The antioxidant activity of carrot juice in gamma irradiated beef sausage was studied. Four batches of beef sausage were prepared, in which the first batch was formulated with water as the control. The other batches were formulated with unconcentrated carrot juice, carrot juice concentrated by 35% and 60%, respectively. Samples were irradiated at doses of 0, 3 and 4.5 kGy. Then the extent of oxidation in raw sausages was determined during refrigerated and frozen storage through the determination of peroxide value (PV) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) for lipid oxidation and carbonyl content for protein oxidation. The raw sausages were sensory evaluated during storage for colour, appearance and odour, while the grilled samples were sensory evaluated for their colour, odour, taste, texture and juiciness post-treatment only. Irradiation and storage significantly increased the PV, TBARS and carbonyl content in the samples formulated with water. The carrot juice significantly decreased the oxidative processes in the samples proportionally to the juice’s concentration. Furthermore, the sausages that were formulated with carrot juice had a high acceptable sensory scores as compared with the control samples.     

Influence of postharvest UV‐C treatment on refrigerated storage of minimally processed broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. Italica)

Minimally processed broccoli was treated with UV‐C light (8 kJ m^?2) and subsequently stored for 21 days at 4 °C. The UV‐C treatment delayed yellowing and chlorophyll degradation during storage. Treated broccoli florets displayed lower electrolyte leakage and respiratory activity, indicating higher tissue integrity. Treated samples showed higher phenolic and ascorbic acid contents as well as higher antioxidant activity than controls. Treated samples also had a higher content of soluble sugars, but no differences in the content of soluble proteins between control and treated samples were detected. The UV‐C treatment also affected bacterial and mould populations. After 21 days at 4 °C the number of colony‐forming units of both populations was lower in treated than in control broccoli florets. The results suggest that UV‐C treatment reduces tissue damage of minimally processed broccoli during storage at 4 °C, thus maintaining nutritional quality and reducing microbial growth. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry     

Changes in major antioxidant components of tomatoes during post-harvest storage

The objective of this study was to study overall nutritional implication of storage on tomatoes (cv. Tradiro), harvested from a commercial greenhouse in Canterbury, New Zealand. The harvested tomatoes were stored at 7, 15 and 25 °C, for a period of 10 days. The soluble phenolics and ascorbic acid contents of tomatoes showed slight increases during storage, regardless of temperature. The mean lycopene content of tomatoes stored at 15 and 25 °C on the 10th day of storage was, approximately, 2-fold (7.5 mg/100 g) than of the tomatoes stored at 7 °C (3.2 mg/100 g). The soluble antioxidant activity increased from 17–27% during the storage period of tomatoes.     

Changes in post-harvest phytochemical qualities of broccoli florets during ambient and refrigerated storage

The effect of ambient and refrigerated storage temperature on post-harvest phytochemical qualities of broccoli florets was investigated during storage. Fresh broccoli florets were packed in polypropylene (PP) micro-perforated film bags and stored, under open ambient storage conditions (15 ± 1 °C, 55 ± 2% RH), and laboratory refrigerated storage (4 ± 0.5 °C, 50 ± 2% RH) for a total period of 144 h. Quality of broccoli florets was evaluated in terms of physiological weight loss (PLW), ascorbic acid content, chlorophyll content, β-carotene and total antioxidant activity. Samples packed in PP micro-perforated film showed significantly (P < 0.05) lower losses of PLW, ascorbic acid, chlorophyll, β-carotene and total antioxidant activity (5.51%, 4.53%, 18.9%, 4.04% and 16.4%, respectively), during storage for up to 144 h under refrigerated conditions. For better phytochemical retention, the broccoli florets should be packed in PP micro-perforated film bags and stored under refrigerated conditions.     

Respiratory activity and phenolic compounds in pre-cut celery

The effect of temperature on respiratory activity and total phenol and flavonoid contents in pre-cut celery was assessed within the 24 h following this minimal processing. To this end, celery petioles were cut as strips, conditioned in crystal polyethylene terephthalate trays covered with PVC film and stored at 0, 10 and 20 °C. Samples were removed at 0, 2, 4, 6 and 24 h after processing to analyse respiratory activity and concentrations of total phenols and flavones. For the samples kept at 0 °C for 24 h, chlorogenic acid was also determined, along with total flavonoids and antioxidant power. At this temperature, the total phenol contents remained basically constant, though at 10 °C it increased considerably two hours after applying the cutting stress. At 20 °C the increase observed was less important. The flavones, identified by HPLC in pre-cut celery were apigenin and luteolin, whose concentrations also increased between two to six hours after processing. However, exposure for 24 h at 0 °C produced a considerable decrease in total flavonoids.     

Antioxidant properties of several tropical fruits: A comparative study

Nine tropical fruits were analyzed for total phenol contents, ascorbic acid contents and antioxidant activities. The antioxidant activities were evaluated based on the ability of the fruit extracts to scavenge 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), reduce iron(III) to iron(II) and to bind to iron(II) ions. The results were compared to those of orange. It was found that guava, papaya and star fruit have higher primary antioxidant potential, as measured by scavenging DPPH and iron(III) reducing assays. Banana, star fruit, water apple, langsat and papaya have higher secondary antioxidant potential as measured by the iron(II) chelating experiment.     

苹果多酚氧化酶的提取及其抑制作用的研究

以冷冻丙酮制备苹果多酚氧化酶(PPO), 通过以邻苯二酚为底物测定氧化产物的方法,对苹果果肉中多酚氧化酶的pH值、温度、热稳定性及抗氧化剂抑制作用进行了研究.结果表明:用真空冷冻干燥得到的酶粉能更好的保持多酚氧化酶活性;酶氧化邻苯二酚的最适pH为6.0,最适温度为25℃;PPO在20-25℃时对热较稳定,期后随着温度升高后,酶活迅速降低;在100℃维持1min酶全部失活;抗坏血酸和黄酮类物质能明显地抑制酶促褐变.     

Impact of minimal processing on orange bioactive compounds during refrigerated storage

The effect of minimal processing on the health-related attributes of orange fruit was investigated. Oranges were prepared as whole fruits, hand-peeled fruits and manually separated segments, packed under air atmosphere and stored at 4 °C for 12 days. The stability of main bioactive compounds (carotenoids, flavanones and vitamin C) and antioxidant activity was evaluated. The total carotenoid content showed a significant increase for the whole samples during refrigerated storage, whereas no significant changes were observed for segments or peeled samples. A similar trend was found for vitamin A. With regard to vitamin C, at the end of refrigerated storage, some losses were observed although no significant differences were found among the different processed samples. The flavanone content showed a significant increase throughout refrigerated storage as response to cold stress. In general, the antioxidant activity remained stable in relation to the initial values. Hence, the health-related characteristics of minimally processed oranges were retained during refrigerated storage.