EVALUATION OF THE TEXTURAL PROPERTIES OF JAPANESE PEAR

The texture of Japanese pear (Pyrus serotina Rehder var. culta 'Housui') during fruit enlargement and ripening was evaluated. From the plate compression test, only the deformation ratio, modulus of elasticity, and relaxation were the interpretable textural indices for the Japanese pear. From the puncture test, interpretable textural indices were the rupture force, deformation at the rupture point, toughness, average firmness, initial firmness, apparent modulus of elasticity, bioyield force, penetrating force and penetrating energy in the flesh. The skin of the Japanese pear contributed 70–80% of the firmness of the fruit. As the fruits enlarged, the strain decreased, the elasticity increased, the fruit skin was more prone to mechanical damage, the fruit flesh became softer, and firmness and rigidity of the whole fruit was reduced.     

Instrumental measurement of pomegranate texture during four maturity stages

Texture of pomegranate fruit and arils are the main quality attributes in the food process industries. In this study, the texture properties of pomegranate fruit and arils (cv. “Ashraf”) at four different stage of maturity (88, 109, 124, and 143 days after full bloom) were evaluated using the puncture test (rupture force and rupture energy) and compression test (bioyield force, rupture energy, and young modulus). The tests showed that all studied textural parameters were sensitive textural parameters for distinguishing the maturity stages. Rupture force and rupture energy of pomegranate fruit were determined at top, middle, and bottom positions of the fruit. The results showed that compression load values of aril increased with advances in maturity stage of fruit, while puncture load values of fruit decreased. The textural properties of pomegranate fruit and arils exhibited a strong dependence (p < .05) on the degree of maturity at harvesting time. Also results showed that rupture force of three different studied positions of fruit was severely different. The highest and lowest values were observed at top and middle position, respectively.     

Nondestructive estimation of maturity and textural properties on tomato ‘Momotaro’ by near infrared spectroscopy

Near infrared spectroscopy offers the possibility to classify and predict the internal quality of fruits and vegetables. The objective of this study was to evaluate the ability of near infrared spectroscopy to classify the maturity level and to predict textural properties of tomatoes variety “Momotaro”. Principal component analysis (PCA) and Soft independent modeling of class analogy (SIMCA) were used to distinguish among different maturities (mature green, pink and red). Partial least squares (PLS) regression was used to estimate textural properties, alcohol insoluble solids and soluble solids content of the tomatoes. The PCA calibration model with mean normalization pretreatment spectra of mature green tomatoes, gave the highest distinguishability (96.85%). It could classify 100.00% of red and pink tomatoes. The SIMCA model could not give better accuracy in maturity classification than individual PCA models. Among the textural parameters measured, the bioyield force from the puncture test with the near infrared (NIR) spectra (between 1100 and 1800 nm) pretreated by multiplicative scatter correction (MSC) had the highest correlation coefficient between NIR predicted and reference values (r = 0.95) and lowest standard error of prediction (SEP = 0.35 N) and bias of 0.19 N. The ratio of standard deviation of reference data of prediction set to standard error of prediction (RPD) was 2.71. In the case of Momotaro tomato, NIR spectroscopy by using PLS regression could not predict alcohol insoluble solids in fresh weight accurately but could predict soluble solids content well with r of 0.80, SEP of 0.210 %Brix and bias of 0.022 %Brix.     

MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF TOMATOES AS RELATED TO PUNCTURE INJURY SUSCEPTIBILITY

The relation between mechanical properties of tomato ( Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) and puncture injury susceptibility was investigated using two cultivars: Tradiro, which is moderately resistant and Blitz, which is very susceptible. Mechanical properties were determined using a universal testing machine and an acoustic firmness sensor. The susceptibility to puncture injury was measured by a pendulum test. By means of Partial Least Squares analysis (PLS), a relationship with a coefficient of determination (R²) of 0.78 was found between the mechanical properties and the puncture injury susceptibility of the tomato cultivar. High loadings were found for the force required to puncture the tomato with and without skin, the elasticity of the fruit, the toughness of the skin and the acoustic firmness of the tomato fruit, indicating that these mechanical properties affect the susceptibility to puncture injury. The obtained results directly imply that these mechanical properties should be used to screen for genotypes with lower susceptibility to puncture injury.     

EVALUATION OF TOMATO QUALITY DURING STORAGE BY ACOUSTIC IMPULSE RESPONSE

The aim of this research was to evaluate the ability of acoustic impulse response to monitor "Heatwave" tomato quality during storage. The tomato was excited and the response signal is captured using the film sensors. The results showed that acoustic impulse response parameters (dominant frequency, firmness index and elasticity coefficient) of "Heatwave" tomato decreased with storage time. The dominant frequency, firmness index and elasticity coefficient had no correlation with soluble solids contents or pH, but had a good correlation with compression force and puncture force. There was a better correlation between elasticity coefficient and compression force (or puncture force); hence, elasticity coefficient could be a better index of "Heatwave" tomato firmness. The acoustic impulse response is a potential factor in order to determine the firmness of "Heatwave" tomato.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Tomato firmness is an important characteristic because firmness of tomato flesh influences the mouth sensory feel. This results showed that acoustic impulse response parameters (dominant frequency, firmness index and elasticity coefficient) of "Heatwave" tomato decreased with storage time. The dominant frequency, firmness index and elasticity coefficient had not correlation with soluble solids contents or pH, but had a good correlation with compression force and puncture force. There were better correlation between elasticity coefficient and compression force (or puncture force), and hence elasticity coefficient could be a better index of "Heatwave" tomato firmness. The acoustic impulse response is potential to determine the firmness of "Heatwave" tomato.     

CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF TOMATOES AS AFFECTED BY MATURITY AND FERTIGATION PRACTICES

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of various fertigation practices and maturity stages on tomato fruit composition. Soluble solids, reducing sugar content, and sugar/acid ratio of tomatoes increased with maturity. Fertigation treatments had less of an effect on the chemical composition of the fruit than the stage of maturity. Mineral (P, K, Ca, Mg) levels of tomato fruits in fertigated treatments were higher than in the control plot treatments receiving no supplemental water during the production season. Ascorbic acid content in whole mature-red fresh tomatoes was 13.24% and 25.71% higher than that in mature-pink and mature-light pink tomatoes, respectively. The locule section contained more ascorbic acid than other parts of the fruit at maturity. Intensive mineral fertigation and harvesting at the ripe stage contributes toward higher nutritional quality in fresh tomatoes.     

果色和成熟度对樱桃番茄（Solanum lycopersicum var. cerasiforme）果实挥发物分布的影响

为探究果色和成熟度对樱桃番茄果实挥发物的影响,用顶空固相微萃取-气相色谱-质谱联用法测定育种自交系材料金珠（橙）、黑樱桃1（紫）、1号（粉）、红珍珠（红）在绿熟期、转色期和红熟期的挥发物。分析发现,橙色番茄挥发物明显高于红色和粉色番茄。橙色番茄在绿熟期,紫色番茄在转色期和红熟期挥发物最高,而粉色番茄挥发物始终最低。气味强度由挥发物质量浓度和嗅觉阈值决定。3-甲基-丁醛、(E,E)-2,4-庚二烯醛、1-戊烯-3-酮、己醛、苯甲醛和(Z)-3-己烯-1-醇对番茄气味贡献较大。红色、橙色和紫色番茄分别在绿熟期、转色期和成熟期气味最浓。随着果实成熟,挥发物质量浓度持续增加,气味更加浓郁。果色和成熟度对挥发物有显著影响。     

Color Changes of Tamarind (Tamarindus indica L.) Pulp During Fruit Development,Ripening, and Storage

Tamarind (Tamarindus indica L.) is a member of the dicotyledonous family Leguminosae. The fruit pulp has a pleasant acid taste and rich aroma, and thus, it is used as the chief souring agent for curries, sauces, and certain beverages. The unripe fruit pulp is green in color, while the ripe pulp is light brownish red. In storage, the brown pulp turns slowly to deep brown and finally black in color. In the present study, the cause of color changes during developmental stage, as well as during storage of tamarind pulp was investigated. Tamarind pulp in unripe condition (green pod) shows polyphenol oxidase activity up to 105 days of maturity of the fruit or until it ripens. Thereafter due to ripening there is a marked increase of reducing sugars and available lysine leading to Maillard reaction. This inhibits enzymatic browning in the ripe pulp during subsequent storage.     

Postharvest Ripening Characterization of Greenhouse Tomatoes

The determination of °Brix, pH, titratable acidity and antioxidant composition such as β-carotene, lycopene, and vitamin C was done in greenhouse “Savoura” tomatoes during maturation. The chromatic values L*, a*, b* were determined at the top surface of the tomato, and its strength-deformation curve was tested with a texturometer. Results pointed out that °Brix and titratable acidity did not change during postharvest, while β-carotene, lycopene, and vitamin C contents increased continuously toward the red stage of tomato. The colour values L*, a*, b*, and ratio a*/b* had a good correlation with the maturity stages. Also, a high correlation between lycopene content and (a*/b*) ratio was found, which was well represented with a second order polynomial function (r² = 0.95). This equation permits to appropriately estimate lycopene content of tomato as a function of its color, without any chemical analysis. During ripening, tomato texture changed from firm turgid to soft and the puncture deformation degree increased. Tomato firmness and chromatic values had a good correlation, and the lycopene content was a logarithm function of firmness (r² = 0.81). The strength in puncture test increased linearly with deformation until the bioyield point. The measured force was analyzed as the sum of the compression and the shear forces. The two force coefficients can be considered as tomato properties, independent of the puncture probe. These coefficients were found to decrease during tomato maturation.     

AREA- AND PERIMETER-DEPENDENT PROPERTIES AND FAILURE OF MATURE-GREEN AND RED-RIPE TOMATO PERICARP TISSUE

The influence of tomato fruit ripeness on area- and perimeter-dependent properties and dominant failure mechanisms of pericarp tissue were investigated. Tissue discs from mature-green and red-ripe fruit were punctured with a flat-ended cylindrical probe and compressed with a flat plate at a constant rate of deformation. Approximately linear force-deformation curves were obtained to tissue failure by both puncture and flat plate compression, interrupted by a region of pseudoplastic deformation at a relatively low initial bioyield force. Based on estimated area- and perimeter-dependent coefficients and firmness (force/deformation) values, initial bioyielding of tissue appeared to be associated with an abrupt increase in cell-to-cell compaction. Puncture of mature-green tissue led to premature failure induced by shearing or rupture of tissue at the probe perimeter. The contribution to puncture of perimeter-dependent or shear-associated forces and a putative "zone of influence" increased markedly with ripening, while the contribution of area-dependent or compression associated forces generally decreased. A concomitant decrease in failure force and firmness with ripening reflected a general loss of both tissue compression and shear strengths. These results suggested that the dominant mode of tissue failure changed with ripening, from cell relaxation and rupture to cell debonding. The data obtained in this study emphasize the need to exercise caution in the interpretation of force-deformation parameters derived from puncture tests alone.     

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE TEXTURE AND PECTIN CONSTITUENTS OF JAPANESE PEAR

The relationship between texture and pectin constituents and some related compounds of the Japanese pear (Pyrus serotina Render var. culta 'Housui') during fruit enlargement and ripening was studied. The modulus of elasticity, deformation ratio, and relaxation value from the flat plate compression test, and all the properties from the puncture test were affected by the pectin constituents, alcohol insoluble solids, and soluble solids. The hardness and deformation of the fruit obtained from the plate compression test might depend on the combination of the alcohol insoluble solids in fresh weight and weight of the fruit. The oxalate soluble pectin both in alcohol insoluble solids and in fresh weight affected the fruit texture more than the water soluble pectin. The solubitization of nonsoluble pectin to water soluble pectin appeared to influence the textural properties more than that of the nonsoluble pectin to oxalate soluble pectin. The puncture test was superior in analyzing the textural properties of the Japanese pear fruits with regard to changes in the pectin constituents.     

Firmness Properties of Mangoes

The purpose of this research was to determine the firmness of mango fruit at different stages of maturity. Immature, mature, and over mature fruit from two Thai mango cultivars (Nam Dokmai and Chok Anan) were subjected to two firmness measuring techniques: a slow compression technique using the Universal Testing Machine and a high-speed impact sensing technique using the low-mass impact tester. The firmness of a mango as determined by the compression test was expressed by the slope of the force-deformation graph, while firmness values derived from the impact test were defined by the ratio between maximum acceleration and the corresponding time (the firmness index). A very good correlation between the two indicators was obtained. Each firmness indicator of the two cultivars remained relatively unchanged from the immature through to the fully mature stage, although firmness rapidly decreased as the fruit ripened. The Chok Anan cultivar was firmer than the Nam Dokmai type throughout the development period. The impact method was able to determine mango firmness rapidly, accurately, and non-destructively.     

Respiration,pectolytic activity and textural changes in ripening African mango (Irvingia gabonensis) fruits

Post-harvest changes in fruit firmness, respiration, pectinesterase (PE) and polygalacturonase (PG) activities were followed in African mango fruits during storage ripening at tropical ambient conditions (28±1°C and 68±2% RH). Respiration followed a climacteric pattern attaining a peak of 99·37 ml CO₂ kg^?1 hr^?1 on the fifth day of storage while full ripeness (colour index—5) was attained on the tenth day. PE and PG activities increased with progressive fruit ripening attaining their optima on the fifth day (1·8 PE unit) and tenth day (27 PG units), respectively. Fruit firmness decreased as pectolytic activity increased with a concomitant reduction in the deformation force from 49 kPa in the unripe fruit to 25 kPa at the edible ripe stage.     

EFFECTS OF HARVESTING MATURITY AND OFF-PLANT RIPENING ON THE ACTIVITIES OF LIPOXYGENASE, HYDROPEROXIDE LYASE, AND ALCOHOL DEHYDROGENASE ENZYMES IN FRESH TOMATO

The specific activities of lipoxygenase (LOX), hydroperoxide lyase (HPL), and alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) were determined at green, pink, and red stages of ripeness in twelve tomato cultivars ripened during storage. Also, the same measurements were done in six other cultivars harvested at breaker (BR) and red (RR), and ripened to full‐red stage of maturity. LOX and HPL showed highest activities at the pink stage of ripeness, whereas ADH was most active at the red stage. Variability of enzyme activity among individual fruit and of hue angle within ripeness stage was great. There were differences among the twelve lines for each enzyme activity, suggesting the potential for altering tomato flavor by selecting lines with different enzyme patterns. Harvest maturity was not a factor in the activities of LOX and HPL, but effective in ADH activity. In almost all cultivars, ADH activity was found to be higher in red harvested counterparts.     

加工番茄果实采摘力测试分析

果实的采摘必须克服果柄与果实的连接力,为揭示番茄果实采摘力的大小及变化规律,试验测定番茄果实拉伸采摘力和扭转采摘力矩,得出成熟加工番茄拉伸采摘力大小与采摘作业时果实的运动方向有关。果实沿某一方向运动时,果柄受拉伸倾斜角度越大,采摘力越小,且番茄果实的采摘力与拉伸倾斜角线性相关,采摘果实时果实的不同运动方向,采摘果实做功相同;对于果柄粗短、刚度大的果实,扭转采摘果柄转角较小,果实容易采摘。     

Texture Profile of Ripening Pears

SUMMARY— Pears of the Ovid variety were harvested at the normal stage of maturity, and ripened in a 70°F storage room. Samples of the fruit were taken out at regular intervals for texture measurements which consisted of the Magness-Taylor pressure test and a modified General Foods Texture Profile. The adhesiveness of the pears was zero. The viscosity of the whole fruit could not be measured. All other parameters of the G. F. Texture Profile (hardness, cohesiveness, elasticity, brittleness, chewiness, and gumminess) decreased during ripening at approximately the same rate as the pressure test. It is suggested that this characteristic of ripening pears is responsible for the success of a simple single measurement (the puncture test) for measuring the complex phenomenon that is called "textural quality" of pears.     

INFLUENCE OF THE SKIN ON PUNCTURE PROPERTIES OF CHILLED AND NONCHILLED TOMATO FRUIT

The puncture properties (firmness, toughness) of tomato skin and its influence on the overall puncture properties of mature-green fruit during ambient temperature (22C) ripening or chilled (5C) storage were estimated from the difference between whole fruit puncture force-deformation behaviour and that measured with the skin removed. Although the firmness of the skin of nonchilled fruit did not change significantly (p > 0.05) over 28 days of ripening, its contribution to overall puncture firmness increased from about 25 to 70%. Both skin toughness and its contribution to overall puncture toughness doubled within the first week of ripening of nonchilled fruit. The firmness of chilled fruit skin decreased (p > 0.05) only after 16 days of storage, but its contribution to overall puncture firmness remained constant at 25–30%. Both the toughness of the skin of chilled fruit and its contribution to overall puncture toughness remained constant during storage. Possible artifacts in the measurement of puncture properties of chilled fruit are discussed. The results are consistent with a toughening of tomato skin during early stages of ripening of nonchilled fruit that somewhat compensates for a rapid reduction in pericarp tissue integrity, and with an increase in firmness or rigidity of tomato skin and underlying tissue(s) during chilled storage of fruit.     

Tomato allergy: impact of genotype and environmental factors on the biological response

BACKGROUND: Food allergies are increasing in the European population. At present the onset of symptoms can be avoided only by elimination of a particular fruit or vegetable from the diet. A new approach is to develop hypoallergenic food products. This study characterises the allergenic potential of tomatoes, considering cultivation conditions, developmental stages and genotypes, in order to identify hypoallergenic fruits. RESULTS: Patients with a history of tomato allergy were recruited for skin allergy tests. Tomatoes carrying distinct genotypes were grown under various cultivation conditions and harvested at different maturation stages. Cultivation conditions (nitrogen fertilisation, light exposure and plant nutrition) did not affect the skin reactivity in tomato‐allergic patients. However, skin reactivity was significantly lower when using green‐unripe compared with red‐ripe tomatoes and when using landrace cultivars compared with cultivars bred for use in organic horticulture. CONCLUSION: Depending on their genetic background and maturity level, some tomato cultivars elicit positive reactions in tomato‐allergic patients in the skin allergy test. This novel finding should pave the way for the development of tomatoes with reduced allergenicity to relieve sufferers of tomato allergy. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

MODIFICATION OF CONDITIONS AT THE WHOLESALE WAREHOUSE TO IMPROVE QUALITY OF FRESH-MARKET TOMATOES

Previous studies suggested that modification of storage temperatures at the wholesale warehouse could sufficiently retard ripening to permit harvest of fresh-market tomatoes at a later maturity, thus allowing for greater flavor development on the vine. Tomatoes (cvs ‘Celebrity’ and ‘Sunny’) were harvested either at the breaker or pink stages of maturity. Simulated wholesale storage was conducted by holding breaker fruit for 3 days at 12°C or 21°C and pink fruit for 3 days at 5°C or 37°C. Short-term low- and high-temperature storage of pink tomatoes delayed ripening sufficiently to maintain acceptable color and firmness during retail and consumer storage at 21°C for 7 days. Flavor characteristics of tomatoes harvested at the pink stage of maturity were not significantly superior to those of fruit harvested at the breaker stage. Thus, although ripening can be delayed in pink tomatoes during postharvest handling, delaying harvest from the breaker to the pink stage does not offer the flavor advantage to warrant a change in the handling system.     

Texture and Sensory Evaluations of Frankfurters Made with Different Formulations and Processes

Objective tests for frankfurter textural properties were investigated by varying formulations and processing parameters and then correlating nine sensory textural attributes with eleven instrumental methods. The most discriminative instrumental parameters were compressive force at failure, compressive force at 50% deformation without failure, and maximum shear force. High correlations (r > 0.80) were found between compressive forces or shear force and sensory elasticity, firmness, and chewiness; stress relaxation and elasticity; total expressible fluid and juiciness; and expressible moisture and wateriness. Elastic recovery did not correlate with any sensory characteristic.