Physicochemical and Nutritional Characteristics of Organic Acid-Treated Button Mushrooms (Agaricus bisporous)

An effort was made to evaluate the effectiveness of organic acids to improve the quality and shelf life of button mushroom (Agaricus bisporous). Shelf life of malic acid-treated mushrooms was improved to a significant level (p < 0.05) in terms of increased whiteness and texture. Sensorial properties, chemical components, and dietary fibers of treated mushrooms remained unaltered. Antioxidant levels of treated mushrooms to scavenge free radical of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and 2,2-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid), polyphenolics content, flavonoids content, and superoxide dismutase activity were not affected. For determining the effectiveness of malic acid as a sanitizer, mushroom slices were artificially inoculated with five foodborne pathogens. Of the pathogens tested, Escherichia coli O15:H7 and Cronobacter sakazakii were inactivated to the maximum; Salmonella typhimurium, Listeria monocytogenes, and Campylobacter jejuni were also reduced significantly (p < 0.05) following storage for up to 5 days at 15°C with 2% and 4% of malic acid. Negligible growth was observed upon storage of treated mushrooms at 4°C. The results of our study suggested malic acid treatment as an economical minimal processing strategy for edible mushrooms.     

Hydrogen Peroxide and Calcium Chloride Added to Irrigation Water as a Strategy to Reduce Bacterial Populations and Improve Quality of Fresh Mushrooms

The quality and value of fresh mushrooms are often diminished by the presence of high bacterial populations that cause a brown, blotchy appearance. The objective of the present research was to evaluate the addition of hydrogen peroxide and/or calcium chloride to irrigation water as a means to reduce total bacterial populations on fresh mushrooms. Crops were grown using commercial mushroom growing practices except for the addition of 0.75% hydrogen peroxide and/or 0.3% calcium chloride irrigation water added to the crop starting 11 d after the casing layer was applied on top of mushroom compost. Irrigation water without the added treatments acted as the control. Mushrooms were aseptically sampled from the production beds for enumerating bacterial counts. Total aerobic bacterial populations were determined by standard microbiological plating procedures. Mushroom whiteness (L‐value) and color (delta E) after harvest and postharvest storage were measured using a Minolta chromameter. Harvested mushrooms were separated by treatment and weighed to record yield. Mushrooms irrigated with water (control) had 7.3 log colony‐forming units (CFU) of aerobic bacterial populations per gram of fresh mushroom tissue. Compared with the control, irrigation with 0.75% hydrogen peroxide and 0.3% calcium chloride reduced the bacterial populations on fresh mushrooms by 87% (6.4 log CFU/g). Irrigation with hydrogen peroxide and calcium chloride significantly enhanced mushroom whiteness after harvest as well as after 6 d of postharvest storage at 12 °C. The irrigation treatments did not have a significant effect on crop yields; hence, the addition of hydrogen peroxide and calcium chloride to irrigation water was demonstrated to have good potential as a practical strategy to reduce bacterial populations and to improve the quality of fresh mushrooms.     

STUDIES ON PRESERVATION OF SUGARCANE JUICE

ABSTRACT

The variety CoP 92226 was selected for preparing sugarcane juice beverage on the basis of yield and sensory attributes from eight promising varieties of sugarcane. Sugarcane juice beverage samples were prepared by pasteurizing the sugarcane juice at 70°C for 10 minutes and adding citric acid (40 mg/100 ml), ascorbic acid (40 mg/100 ml) and potassium metabisulphite (150 ppm). Samples of sugarcane juice beverage were stored at room (30±5°C) and refrigeration (4±2°C) temperature in pre-sterilized glass bottles and analyzed for physico-chemical, microbiological and sensory attributes at every 15 days interval for 90 days. The pH, total soluble solids and total sugars decreased, whereas, titratable acidity and reducing sugars increased significantly (P<0.01) during storage. An appreciable increase in total plate counts and yeast and mold counts were observed, however, no coliforms, were detected in sugarcane juice beverage during storage. The changes in different attributes were significantly (P<0.01) higher at room temperature as compared to refrigeration temperature. The sugarcane juice beverage having citric acid and potassium metabisulphite showed minimum changes in sensory qualities during storage, both at room and refrigeration temperature. An acceptable quality beverage of sugarcane juice with satisfactory storage stability for 90 days at room as well as refrigeration temperature could be prepared.     

Development of shelf-life kinetic model for modified atmosphere packaging of fresh sliced mushrooms

Mushrooms are highly perishable and their shelf-life depends on processing, package properties and environmental conditions during storage and distribution. The aims of this work were to evaluate the effect of temperature and number of film perforations on quality and develop shelf-life kinetic model for a modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) for sliced button mushrooms. Sliced mushrooms were packed in a tray, covered with cellophane film, and stored for 7 days at four levels of temperature (0, 5, 10, and 15 °C) and three levels of perforations at each temperature ranging the number of perforations from 1 (58 perforations per m²) to 6 (349 perforations per m²). Headspace gas composition and quality parameters (weight loss, pH, firmness and colour) were measured throughout the storage period. Increasing the storage temperature required an increase of the number of perforations in order to obtain the optimum MAP conditions. Temperature had a significant effect (p < 0.05) on quality of sliced mushrooms. Firmness was identified as a critical quality parameter; therefore, a kinetic model was developed to describe the influence of temperature on firmness and predict shelf-life of sliced mushrooms. Fresh sliced mushrooms had a shelf-life of 1, 2, 4, and 7.5 days at 15, 10, 5, and 0 °C, respectively, under optimum MAP conditions.     

Staphylococcus aureus Growth and Enterotoxin Production in Mushrooms

An enterotoxin A (SEA) producing strain of Staphylococcus aureus was inoculated onto mushrooms and incubated under simulated pre-and post-canning conditions. S. aureus grew and produced SEA in mushrooms incubated at 25°C in 10% to 20% NaCl. Growth and SEA production occurred when mushrooms were stored in plastic bags at 37°C, but not at 25°C. Mushrooms heat-processed at 121.1°C supported S. aureus growth and SEA production. No SEA was recovered from mushrooms inoculated with 1 or 10 ng SEA/g and heated at 121.1°C for 4.5 min. At higher inoculated SEA levels (100 and 1,000 ng/g), SEA was detectable after 10 min of heating. Staphylococcal enterotoxin could be present in canned mushrooms as a result of pre-, but more likely post-processing contamination.     

Mushroom Response to Postharvest Hyperbaric Storage

Vessels suitable for storing mushrooms [Agaricus bisporus (Lange) Singe] at absolute pressures to 35 atm were constructed from 43 liter (1A) gas cylinders and plumbed for conducting static or continuous-flow experiments. Neither pressurization nor gradual depressurization over 6 hr injured mushrooms. Pressure did not affect respiration, but significantly reduced moisture loss during storage. Mushrooms depleted O₂ to very low levels and showed high tolerance to CO₂. Pressure was used to safely increase CO partial pressure (p) 35-fold. At 0.035p, CO reduced mushroom browning but not respiration. A completely autonomous storage system with CO₂ removal and automatic O₂, replenishment was developed.     

Sensory and microbiological quality of shiitake mushrooms in modified‐atmosphere packages

The aim of the present work was to study the influence of modified‐atmosphere packaging on the microbiological and sensory quality of shiitake mushrooms (Lentinula edodes). Mushrooms were packaged under atmospheric air (passive modified atmosphere) and an initial gas mixture of 5% O₂ and 2.5% CO₂ (active modified atmosphere), in bags of two different films: low‐density polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP). As control, mushrooms were packaged in macroperforated PP films. Bags were stored at 5 °C for 20 days. Package atmosphere composition, mushroom respiration rate, weight loss, microbiological counts and sensory quality were determined during storage. Risk assays were also performed. Under the studied conditions, shiitake mushroom deterioration was not due to microorganism growth, and therefore the shelf‐life of this product might be defined by changes in its sensory characteristics. Sensory analysis showed that mushrooms stored under modified atmosphere (active and passive) had a higher deterioration rate than those stored in PP macroperforated films, and lower sensory quality values during the entire storage time. These results suggest that mushroom deterioration was probably due to shiitake mushrooms' sensitivity to high CO₂ concentrations. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry     

Atmospheric Composition and Quality of Fresh Mushrooms in Modified Atmosphere Packages As Affected by Storage Temperature Abuse

Mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus) were packaged in 4-liter modified atmosphere (MA) containers, and a steady-state atmosphere of 5% and 10% was maintained at 4 °C. Temperature was fluctuated from 4 °C to 20 °C during 12-d storage period in cycles: 2 d at 4 °C followed by 2 d at 20 °C. Temperature increase during fluctuations caused anoxic atmospheres both in O₂ (1.5%) and CO₂ (22% to 10%). The quality of mushrooms stored under temperature fluctuating regime was severely affected as indicated by extensive browning, loss of firmness, and the level of ethanol in the tissue compared to mushrooms stored at constant temperature. It was clear that temperature fluctuation, even if it should occur once, can seriously compromise the benefits of MA packaging and safety of the packaged produce.     

High-pressure treatment of dry-cured Iberian ham. Effect on colour and oxidative stability during chill storage packed in modified atmosphere

Slices of dry-cured Iberian ham were pressurized at 200 and 400 MPa for 15 min and subsequently packed in two different modified atmospheres of 30% carbon dioxide or 30% carbon dioxide and 5% oxygen (both balanced with nitrogen). Non-pressurized ham slices were also packed in two different modified atmospheres and all packages were stored at 5 °C for 39 days in illuminated chill cabinets. Measurements of colour and oxidative stability were performed after 1, 18 and 39 days of storage. High-pressure treatments at the level of 400 MPa resulted in the highest value for the tristimulus lightness L ^*-parameter during storage, reaching the maximum values after 39 days. Redness, measured as the tristimulus a ^*-parameter, was affected by pressure treatment, since samples submitted to treatment of highest pressure had significantly lower initial red colour. Oxygen was found to have a detrimental effect on nitrosylmyoglobin content since the extractable content was significantly lower after 18 and 39 days of storage in the 5% oxygen atmosphere. The effect of high pressure on oxidative stability was statistically significant after 39 days of chill storage with slices pressurized at 400 MPa showing the highest content in TBARS. High-pressure treatment at 400 MPa resulted in discoloration and oxidative degradation of lipids in dry-cured Iberian ham during subsequent illuminated chill storage.     

Microbiological and Sensory Changes in Minced Beef Treated with Potassium Lactate and Sodium Diacetate during Refrigerated Storage

The effect of potassium lactate and sodium diacetate on the microbiological changes and sensory properties of vacuum-packaged minced beef was investigated. The meat samples both with a preservative (in the amounts 0.65% and 1.3%) and without were stored at temperatures of 0–1°C and 5–6°C. The influence of storage time on changes in total bacteria count (TBC), lactic acid bacteria (LAB), Brochothrix thermosphacta, and the microbes of the Enterobacteriaceae family was investigated, as well as changes in pH and sensory quality. It was found that the addition of the preservative to the minced meat caused a significant extension (p < 0.05) of the lag phase and an inhibition of microbial growth rate, depending on temperature, storage time, and its concentration. The antibacterial effect was significantly higher (p < 0.05) at a temperature of 0–1°C than at 5–6°C and most susceptible to it were the bacteria belonging to the Enterobacteriaceae. The study results showed that the minced beef containing the preservative which had been vacuum stored at 0–1°C, presented a better sensory quality and had a shelf-life of about 6 days longer, in relation to the quality and shelf-life of the control samples. For each of the refrigeration storage temperatures however, there was no statistically significant change (p < 0.05) in the pH for the various storage periods and preservative quantities present.     

Growth inhibition and inactivation of Alicyclobacillus acidoterrestris endospores in apple juice by hyperbaric storage at ambient temperature

Control of endospores of Alicyclobacillus acidoterrestris in pasteurized apple juice using hyperbaric storage at 18 to 23 °C was compared to storage at atmospheric pressure and 18 to 23 °C, as well as refrigeration at ~4 °C for up to 30 days. The juice samples were inoculated with approximately 1 × 10⁵ CFU/mL spores. The juice spoiled quickly at atmospheric pressure and ambient temperature, while under refrigeration spore levels remained unchanged for 30 days. Hyperbaric storage of inoculated apple juice at 25, 50 and 100 MPa at 18 to 23 °C resulted in spore inactivation at more rapid rates as pressure magnitudes increased, reaching levels below the detection limit of 10 CFU/mL at 50 and 100 MPa. In highly acid foods such as apple juice, hyperbaric storage at pressures ≤100 MPa and ambient temperature was effective in inactivating spores of A. acidoterrestris for periods up to 30 days.These results indicate hyperbaric storage at ambient temperature as a clearly more efficient preservation procedure to control the development of A. acidoterrestris endospores, compared to ambient temperature and refrigerated storage, in highly acidic foods as apple juice.     

Impact of long-term storage at ambient temperatures on the total quality and stability of high-pressure processed tomato juice

High-pressure processing (HPP) can produce tomato juice of high quality and safety with a short shelf life under refrigeration temperatures. Long-term higher temperature storage studies are rare and temperature tolerant products are challenging to develop. The effect of high-pressure processing (HPP) on the total quality (colour, microbial counts, phytochemical levels, antioxidant and enzymatic activities) and stability (retention over time) of tomato juice during long-term storage was investigated. Thermal processing (TP) was used as a control treatment, and overall, two different ambient conditions (20 °C and 28 °C) were tested. Immediately after processing, HPP products proved superior to TP ones (enhanced redness, total carotenoids and lycopene, stable total phenols and inactivation of pectin methyl esterase). During initial storage (30 d) most quality attributes of HPP juice remained stable. Prolonged storage, however, led to losses of most quality attributes, although HPP (20 °C) showed lower quality degradation rate constants comparison to TP and HPP (28 °C).Industrial RelevanceThere is a demand for ambient stable tomato products, especially in some parts of the world, and current industrial practices (canning, pasteurisation) either compromise in product quality or require refrigeration conditions. High-pressure processing has been investigated as milder technology, with a potential to deliver superior quality. The drawback is that is also requires chill storage. The results of this study show how quality parameters behave in a high-pressured tomato product and pave the way for further development that could optimise this technology. This could be of economic importance for the tomato juice industry to develop new products stable in ambient temperatures and perhaps beneficial for cutting down the refrigeration costs under specific conditions.     

Comparative study on shelf life of orange juice processed by high intensity pulsed electric fields or heat treatment

The effects of high intensity pulsed electric fields (HIPEF) processing (35 kV/cm for 1,000 μs; bipolar 4-μs pulses at 200 Hz) on the microbial shelf life and quality-related parameters of orange juice were investigated during storage at 4 and 22 °C and compared to traditional heat pasteurization (90 °C for 1 min) and an unprocessed juice. HIPEF treatment ensured the microbiological stability of orange juice stored for 56 days under refrigeration but spoilage by naturally occurring microorganisms was detected within 30 days of storage at 22 °C. Pectin methyl esterase (PME) of HIPEF-treated orange juice was inactivated by 81.6% whereas heat pasteurization achieved a 100% inactivation. Peroxidase (POD) was destroyed more efficiently with HIPEF processing (100%) than with the thermal treatment (96%). HIPEF-treated orange juice retained better color than heat-pasteurized juice throughout storage but no differences (p<0.05) were found between treatments in pH, acidity and °Brix. Vitamin C retention was outstandingly higher in orange juice processed by HIPEF fitting recommended daily intake standards throughout 56 days storage at 4 °C, whereas heat-processed juice exhibited a poor vitamin C retention beyond 14 days storage (25.2–42.8%). The antioxidant capacity of both treated and untreated orange juice decreased slightly during storage. Heat treatments resulted in lower free-radical scavenging values but no differences (p<0.05) were found between HIPEF-processed and unprocessed orange juice.     

Metagenomic reveals succession in the bacterial community and predicts changes in raw milk during refrigeration

In this study, metagenomics was used to analyze microbial succession and predict changes in raw milk during 6 days of storage at 4°C, aimed at determining how microorganisms drive the deterioration of refrigerated raw milk. The microbial community in raw milk changed significantly with an extension of refrigeration time (p < .01). The dominant bacterial genera gradually evolved from Acinetobacter, Streptococcus, and Anaplasma to Flavobacterium, Pseudomonas, and Lactococcus. KEGG annotation results indicated that the main role of the bacterial community included amino acid biosynthesis, carbon metabolism, and functioning as an ABC transporter. Additionally, lipid, amino acid, and carbohydrate metabolism pathways were significantly expressed at the beginning, middle, and end of refrigeration, respectively. Refrigeration time is an important factor affecting the composition of the microbial flora in raw milk. The results of this study illustrate the role of microorganisms in the deterioration of refrigerated raw milk.     

Shelf life of Merino lamb meat retail packaged under atmospheres of various compositions

The effect of four different gas mixtures on several characteristics of Merino fresh lamb meat quality was studied. Merino lamb meat was packed under four different atmospheres (Batch 1: Ambient air; Batch 2: 70% O₂ + 30% CO₂; Batch 3: 80% O₂ + 20% CO₂ and Batch 4: 30% CO₂ + 69.6% Ar + 0.4% CO) and stored in darkness and under refrigeration (3 ± 1 °C) for 12 days. pH values and weight losses of lamb meat showed no significant changes during 12 days storage (P > 0.05) and were not affected by the different used atmospheres (P > 0.05). Lightness (L*) was not significantly affected by gas atmospheres until day 12 of storage, lamb meat packed in contact with air (Batch 1) showing the lowest lightness (P < 0.001). Samples in contact with ambient air, presented the lowest a*‐values during most of the storage period (P < 0.001). Batch 4 (30% CO₂ + 69.6% Ar + 0.4% CO) showed the highest a*‐values after 7 days storage. Batches 2, 3 and 4 presented a lower microbial count of total aerobic bacteria and Enterobacteriaceae than batch 1 (P < 0.05), whereas for lactic acid bacteria counts there were not significant differences (P > 0.05).     

Effect of ozone and calcium lactate treatments on browning and texture properties of fresh‐cut lettuce

The effects of three treatments, 1 mg L^?1 ozone at 18–20 °C, 15 g L^?1 calcium lactate (CLac) at 50 °C and a combination thereof, were compared on fresh‐cut lettuce over 10 days of refrigerated storage. Respiration rate, browning and texture were examined as main quality indicators. The use of ozone produced a significantly (P < 0.05) higher oxygen decline than the use of CLac (from day 3 to day 10). At the end of storage, CLac (alone or combined with ozone) samples had higher oxygen content (～9%) than ozone samples (～6%). Enzymatic activity decreased significantly (P < 0.05) in ozone samples. Polyphenol oxidase activity in fresh‐cut lettuce treated with ozone (alone or combined with CLac) showed lower values on day 1 (<2500 units g^?1) and at the end of storage (<3000 units g^?1) than CLac samples (4000–4800 units g^?1). Ozone also reduced peroxidase activity to ～300 units g^?1 after treatment. Finally, pectin methylesterase activity was also reduced with ozone, showing a negative effect on textural properties. Data suggested that CLac maintained quality markers better than treatments with ozone and ozone/CLac combination over 10 days of storage. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry     

Effect of chitooligosaccharide from squid pen on gel properties of sardine surimi gel and its stability during refrigerated storage

Effect of chitooligosaccharide from squid pen prepared using lipase (COS-L) at various concentrations (0–30 g kg⁻¹) on gel properties of sardine surimi gel was investigated. Breaking force (BF) and deformation (DF) of gel were increased, when COS-L level was increased up to 10 g kg⁻¹ (P < 0.05). Water holding capacity and whiteness of gel were improved with the addition of COS-L than those of control. Gel added with 10 g kg⁻¹ COS-L had denser network with higher likeness score for all sensory attributes, compared to control. When gel incorporated with 10 g kg⁻¹ COS-L was stored at 4 °C, BF, DF and whiteness were maintained during 10 days of storage. Textural properties of surimi gel added with COS-L were higher than those of control throughout storage. Thus, incorporation of 10 g kg⁻¹ COS-L could improve gel properties of sardine surimi gel and retarded the deterioration of gel properties during refrigerated storage.     

Gel‐forming properties of surimi produced from bigeye snapper,Priacanthus tayenus and P macracanthus,stored in ice

The influence of iced storage of two species of bigeye snapper, Priacanthus tayenus and P macracanthus, on the gel‐forming ability of the resulting surimi was investigated. Upon iced storage, whole fish underwent deterioration faster than beheaded/eviscerated fish. Total volatile base and trimethylamine contents of whole fish were higher than those of beheaded/eviscerated fish, particularly after 9 days of storage (P < 0.05). P macracanthus muscle was more susceptible to proteolytic degradation than P tayenus muscle. Ca²⁺‐ATPase activity decreased as the storage time increased (P < 0.05), indicating the denaturation of myosin. A marked decrease in Ca²⁺‐ATPase activity was found in whole fish kept for more than 6 days in ice (P < 0.05). Breaking force and deformation of surimi gels from both species decreased, with a concomitant decrease in whiteness, as the storage time increased (P < 0.05). Beheading and evisceration of fish retarded the deterioration. However, the gel‐forming ability of surimi produced from both species decreased continuously throughout iced storage (P < 0.05), probably owing to the denaturation and degradation of myofibrillar proteins. © 2002 Society of Chemical Industry     

Suitability of Aloe Vera and Gum Tragacanth as Edible Coatings for Extending the Shelf Life of Button Mushroom

Button mushroom have a short postharvest shelf life compared to most vegetables, due to a very high metabolic activity and high water content. This makes them prone to microbial spoilage and to exhibit enzymatic browning. In this research, the effects of aloe vera, gum tragacanth, and combination of both as edible coatings on the shelf life and postharvest losses of mushrooms were studied. Physical characteristics, general appearance (color and texture), weight loss, and carbohydrate percentage were evaluated during storage. Mushrooms were stored at 4, 10, and 15 °C for 13 days and physicochemical characteristics were analyzed after 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 13 days of storage. During cold storage, the uncoated mushrooms showed rapid weight loss, color changes, and accelerated softening while mushrooms treated with aloe vera gel, gum tragacanth, and the combination of both significantly delayed these phenomena. Among different coatings, the combination of aloe vera and gum tragacanth was more effective.     

Development and evaluation of chitosan and its derivative for the shelf life extension of beef meat under refrigeration storage

The current study was aimed to study the shelf life of beef meat at refrigeration storage using novel chitosan derivative (Ch‐D). Chitosan was modified with antimicrobial monomethyl fumaric acid (MFA). The chemical structure of the resulting material was characterized by FT‐IR and HR‐XRD. The results confirmed the successful synthesis of conjugate sample. For the shelf life study, following lots were used: control (distilled water), chitosan 0.5%, Ch‐D 0.5%. The samples were kept at 4 °C for 16 days and analyzed at 4‐day intervals. Ch‐D treatment significantly reduced the total viable counts, enterobacteriaceae, lactic acid bacteria, psychrotrophic bacteria, and yeasts–moulds when compared with the chitosan and control during refrigeration storage. The peroxide value (PV) for Ch‐D was 0.19 ± 0.04 meq O₂ kg^?1 fat and chitosan was 0.21 ± 0.07 meq O₂ kg^?1 fat and showed no significant difference (P < 0.05) at the end of the storage. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARs) value for Ch‐D was 0.48 ± 0.02 mg MDA kg^?1 and chitosan was 0.57 ± 0.09 mg MDA kg^?1, while the carbonyl contents for Ch‐D was 3.16 ± 0.23 nm  mg^?1 protein and chitosan was 3.11 ± 0.16 nm  mg^?1 protein at 16 days of storage. Values for Ch‐D and chitosan treatments were significantly lower (P < 0.05) for all the quality attributes as compared with the control throughout storage. At the end of storage, Ch‐D treatment showed a significant increase (P < 0.05) in lightness (L^* = 41.54 ± 0.09) and yellowness (b* = 2.23 ± 0.04). The redness for control was high (a* = 6.12 ± 0.09) as compared with the treated samples. Based primarily on microbial counts, Ch‐D treatment extended the shelf life of beef meat by about 8 days, maintaining acceptable quality attributes.