Effects of Elevated CO2 Atmosphere on Storage of Freshwater Crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus)

The effects of elevated CO₂ levels on the keeping quality of cooked, freshwater crayfish was investigated. Experiments were conducted using an enriched atmosphere of 80% CO₂:20% air compared to air storage at 4°C. Chemical and microbial changes were correlated with sensory panel evaluations of flavor, odor and texture. After 28 days of storage, the concentrations of ammonia and trimethylamine and total plate counts were lower in crayfish stored under carbon dioxide as compared to samples stored in air. The sensory panel found no significant difference between the odors of the samples stored in CO₂ atmosphere for 21 days and fresh cooked crayfish, whereas samples stored in air were found to have significantly more fishy flavor and odor after 14 days of storage.     

PRODUCTION OF CO2 AND C2H4 AFTER GAMMA IRRADIATION OF STRAWBERRY FRUIT

Strawberry fruit (Fragaria ananassa, Duch. cv ‘Kent’) were irradiated at doses from 0 to 4 kGy and stored at 10°C to verify whether irradiation at very low doses could delay postharvest ripening while causing minimal damage to the tissues. CO₂ and C₂H₄ production were used as stress indicator. Anthocyanins and titratable acidity were measured as maturity parameters. CO₂ and C₂H₄ production increased six hours after irradiation. The increase in CO₂ production was proportional to the dose of irradiation and was highest at 4 kGy. Maximum C₂H₄ production was reached at 1 kGy. The different response of CO₂ and C₂H₄ production to irradiation suggests that the membrane system supporting C₂H₄ production was more sensitive to gamma rays than mitochondrial CO₂ production. Irradiation at 0.3 kGy slightly delayed color development in the fruit. Overall, the results indicated that it may be possible to use irradiation at a low dose to delay ripening while causing only minimal tissue damage.     

Postharvest Physiology and Quality Maintenance of Sliced Pear and Strawberry Fruits

Sliced strawberries (cvs.‘Pajaro’ and 'G-3′) and partially ripe pears (cv.‘Bartlett’) were dipped in various solutions (citric acid, ascorbic acid, and/or calcium chloride) and stored in air or in controlled atmospheres (CA) for 7 days at 2.5°C followed by one day at 20°C. Fruit slices respired at a higher rate than whole fruits at both temperatures. CA storage suppressed respiration and ethylene production rates of sliced fruits. Firmness of strawberry and pear slices was maintained by storage in air + 12% CO₂ and in a 0.5% O₂ atmosphere, respectively, or by dipping in 1% calcium chloride. These treatments also resulted in lighter colored pear slices than the air control treatment.     

Low O2 Atmospheres Affect Storage Quality of Zucchini Squash Slices Treated with Calcium

Calcium chloride treated or nontreated zucchini squash slices were stored in air or low O₂ (0.25, 0.5 and 1%) at 10°C. Respiration rate, ethylene production, and development of browning/decay were reduced under low O₂. Slices stored under 0.25% O₂ had less weight loss and browning/decay, and greater shear force and L-ascorbic acid content than those stored in air. Microbial count, pH, and color at the end of storage were improved by low O₂. Calcium treatment had no additive effect on maintaining quality of zucchini squash slices stored in 0.25% O₂ atmosphere.     

Effects of high O2 levels on post-harvest quality and shelf life of table grapes during long-term storage

Freshly harvested Kyoho table grapes (Vitis vinifera × V. labrusca) were stored in controlled atmospheric chambers, either in air, 80% O₂, or 40% O₂ + 30% CO_2, for up to 60 days at 0 °C in 95% relative humidity followed by 5 days in air at 20 °C. Physical and chemical properties were recorded initially and at 15-day intervals during storage. Storage in 80% O₂ or 40% O₂ + 30% CO₂ improved berry hardness, springiness, chewiness, flavors and membrane integrity over control stored in air. In addition, these high O₂ storage conditions significantly reduced fruit decay, berry drop, rachis browning and weight loss, delayed the decrease of soluble solids, titratable acidity and ascorbic acid of table grapes, compared with storage in air. Treatment in 80% O₂ resulted in a significantly firmer berry, better texture, berry adherence strength, and sensory scores than those treated with 40% O₂ + 30% CO₂, but did not significantly affect cohesiveness, springiness, aroma and membrane integrity. Data obtained in this study suggest that high oxygen treatment improve the quality of table grapes and extend its shelf life.     

Histamine Formation in Abusively Stored Pacific Mackerel: Effect of CO2-Modified Atmosphere

Whole Pacific mackerel (Scomber japonicus) were abusively stored at 20°C in air or 80% CO₂, balance air. Samples were analyzed for amines using a modified amino acid analyzer. Following 24 hr storage, levels of histamine, tyramine, putrescine, and cadaverine increased only slightly above the low levels observed initially. During the next 24 hr, the amine content increased dramatically. Levels in the air control samples were about twice those in the modified atmosphere samples. In a separate trial, amine levels in fish stored 3 days were higher still and similar in the two atmospheres. Thus, in neither trial did CO₂-modified atmosphere storage lead to increased production of potentially toxic amines.     

Static, Controlled (CO2) Atmosphere Packaging of Retail Ready Pork

Wrapped boneless pork loin roasts and slices were stored at 4°in bulk under constant CO₂ concentrations of 50% and 100% for 1 and 2 wks. Samples stored under 50% CO₂ for 2 wks could subsequently be displayed (aerobic) for 3 days without becoming unacceptable or for 6 days if previously held under 100% CO₂ for 14 days. Aerobic shelf-life at 4°of the latter samples equalled that of fresh pork chops under simulated retail display. Physicochemical characteristics during storage did not limit acceptability. Reusable master packs have application for distribution of retail ready cuts under controlled atmosphere packaging.     

Controlling Temperature and Water Loss to Maintain Ascorbic Acid Levels in Strawberries During Postharvest Handling

‘Chandler’, ‘Oso Grande’ and ‘Sweet Charlie’ strawberries were stored for 8 days at 1 or 10°C, or 4 days at 20°C, either unwrapped or wrapped in PVC film to retard were conducted during the 1 water loss. Total ascorbic acid (AA) content was expressed on a dry weight basis to correct for water loss differences between treatments. Loss of AA was low and did not differ between wrapped treatments at 1 and 10°C, but was much greater at 20°C. Wrapping reduced AA loss by 5-fold at 1 and 10°C and by 2-fold at 20°C. The effect was not due to modification of O₂ and CO₂ levels in wrapped treatments, which was minimal. The results indicate that water loss had a greater effect on AA levels than temperature. Combining wrapping with storage at 1 or 10°C reduced AA loss by 7.5-fold compared to unwrapped strawberries stored at 20°C.     

Water status and quality improvement in high-CO2 treated table grapes

Unfreezable water (UFW) content in berry tissues (pulp, skin, seed) and rachis of table grape clusters stored at 0 °C has been studied using differential scanning calorimetry. The effect of short exposure to high CO₂ (20% CO₂ for 3 days) and the transfer to air were also studied. Water status of pulp tissues was related to the thawing behaviour and the structural characteristics, using low-temperature scanning electron microscopy (LT-SEM). The UFW content in all tissues increased rapidly in response to high CO₂ while it remained stable or decreased in untreated clusters. The strong potential of this beneficial gaseous treatment for increasing the UFW content was also evident after transfer to air. The metabolic adjustment caused by exposure to high CO₂, which reduced the amount of water available to be frozen, improved stored fruit quality, thus minimising structural damage and reducing water leakage associated with the freezing–thawing process.     

Changes in enzyme activities in abscission zone and berry drop of ‘Kyoho’ grapes under high O2 or CO2 atmospheric storage

To investigate the effects of high atmospheric O₂ on berry drop in ‘Kyoho’ grapes (Vitis vinifera X V. labrusca), changes in fruit detachment force (FDF), berry abscission and enzyme activities in the abscission zone (AZ) were examined during 60 days of storage in air (control), 40% O₂+30% CO₂ or 80% O₂ at 0 °C and 95% relative humidity. There was a high negative correlation between FDF and berry drop. Cellulase activity increased over time and correlated strongly with berry abscission. Polygalacturonase (PG) activity increased markedly for the first 30 days and then decreased slightly. Pectinesterase (PE) maintained a basal level of activity at low temperatures. Cellulase, PG and PE activities were the lowest in fruits in 80% O₂, followed by 40% O₂+30% CO₂ and air storage. Peroxidase (POD) activity dropped firstly and subsequently rose sharply, which promoted by 80% O₂ and inhibited by 40% O₂+30% CO₂ compared with control. High O₂ suppressed the activities of cellulase, PG and PE, maintained higher FDF, and reduced berry abscission during storage.     

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.     

POSTHARVEST CHANGES IN STRAWBERRY FRUIT STORED UNDER SIMULATED RETAIL DISPLAY CONDITIONS1

‘Cardinal’ strawberry fruit were placed in plastic boxes with plastic dome lids (PDL) or with polyethylene wrap (PE), warmed to 25C for 8 h and stored at 1C or 5C to simulate retail storage temperature conditions. For all treatments, fruit held at 5C decayed and deteriorated more than fruit held at 1C. During storage at 1C or 5C, fruit in boxes with PE accumulated CO₂ (0.75–2 % CO₂/mg), had less weight loss and better color retention than fruit in boxes with PDL. After 3 days of storage, precooled strawberries exposed to 8 h of warming had more weight loss and worse appearance than fruit held continuously at 1C; these differences were not apparent after 7 days.     

Effect of Elevated CO2 Growth Conditions on the Nutritive Composition and Acceptability of Baked Sweet Potatoes

‘Georgia-Jet’ sweet potatoes were grown at CO₂ concentrations of 354, 431, 506, and 659 ppm for 90 days. Elevated CO₂ concentrations decreased protein, total carotenoids and insoluble dietary fiber. An increase in dry matter and a reddish-orange color was observed at 506 and 659 ppm CO₂ concentrations. Sensory evaluation scores for flavor and moistness indicated that sweet potatoes grown under high CO₂ concentrations were acceptable and not different from the control.     

Growth/survival of natural flora and Aeromonas hydrophila on refrigerated uncooked pork and turkey packaged in modified atmospheres

To evaluate the growth/survival of natural flora and Aeromonas hydrophila on refrigerated normal low (pork) and high (turkey) pH meats packaged in modified atmospheres, A. hydrophila was inoculated onto fresh pork and turkey meat slices. Inoculated and control samples were packaged in modified atmospheres (100% N₂, 20/80 and 40/60 CO₂/O₂) or in air in plastic bags and kept at 1 and 7°C. Samples packaged in air showed a similar microbiological pattern to that usually observed in fresh meat stored aerobically. Packaging in modified atmosphere produced a strong inhibition of bacterial growth at 1°C, particularly in samples stored in CO₂/O₂enriched atmospheres. Aeromonas hydrophila grew on turkey and pork meat stored in 100% N₂at 1 and 7°C. Likewise, growth of this bacterium was detected on turkey stored in 20/80 CO₂/O₂at 7°C. No growth was observed in 40/60 CO₂/O₂in any meat at both temperatures assayed.     

Control of internal browning and quality improvement of ‘Fuji’ apples by stepwise increase of CO2 level during controlled atmosphere storage

To control internal browning injury and to reduce quality loss in ‘Fuji’ apples during storage, a stepwise controlled atmosphere (CA) method was applied in this study. Both non‐bagged and bagged apples during maturation were stored at 0 °C under 1% O₂ + 1% CO₂, 1% O₂ + 3% CO₂ or air for 10 months, and 1% O₂ + 1% CO₂ for 2 months followed by 1% O₂ + 3% CO₂ for 8 months (stepwise CA). The concentrations of internal ethylene and carbon dioxide in apples kept for 24 h at 20 °C after storage under CA conditions were maintained at low level, but there was no effect of stepwise CO₂ increase on internal gas concentrations. The non‐bagged and bagged apples stored under stepwise CA were not significantly different from those stored under 1% O₂ + 3% CO₂ continuously for 10 months in term of flesh firmness, titratable acidity and yellowing index. However, the apples stored under stepwise CA were firmer, more acid and greener than those stored under 1% O₂ + 1% CO₂ continuously for 10 months. Internal browning injury occurred in apples stored under 1% O₂ + 3% CO₂ continuously for 10 months, but it was suppressed completely by stepwise CA storage. The stepwise CA, increasing of CO₂ level after holding at 1% CO₂ for the first 2 months of storage, was effective in maintaining the quality and controlling the internal browning injury in non‐bagged and bagged ‘Fuji’ apples. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry     

Effects of high CO2 and low O2 atmospheres on the berry drop of ‘Kyoho’ grapes

To investigate the effects of low O₂ and high CO₂ atmospheres on the berry drop of ‘Kyoho’ grapes (Vitis vinifera X V. labrusca), changes of fruit detachment force (FDF) and berry abscission and enzyme activities in the abscission zone were examined during 60 days of storage in air (control), 4%O₂ + 9%CO₂ or 4%O₂ + 30%CO₂ at 0 °C and 95%relative humidity. There was a high negative correlation between FDF and berry drop. Cellulase activity increased over time and was closely correlated with berry abscission. Polygalacturonase (PG) activity rose markedly for the first 30 days and then remained relatively constant. Peroxidase (POD) activity dropped significantly for the first 15 days and subsequently rose sharply (P < 0.05). Cellulase, PG and POD activities were the lowest in fruits in 4%O₂ + 30%CO₂, followed by 4%O₂ + 9%CO₂ and air storage. Pectinesterase (PE) maintained a basal level of activity and there were no significant differences among three treatments (P < 0.05). Compared to air control, the combined effects of the lower level of O₂ and the higher level of CO₂ suppressed the activities of cellulase, PG and POD, maintained greater FDF, and reduced berry abscission during storage.     

The effect of modified atmosphere packaging on the quality of Honeoye and Korona strawberries

Strawberries (cultivars Honeoye and Korona) were stored in perforated polypropylene bags at 5 °C for 10 days. Unpackaged strawberries were used as a reference. Several quality parameters were monitored during the storage period. The packaged strawberries retained their weight throughout the experiment as opposed to the unpackaged samples which lost 1.5% of their weight per day because of dehydration. The aroma profile of Honeoye strawberries was not affected by storage in modified atmospheres. In Korona fruits, on the other hand, there was a considerable increase in ethyl acetate levels, indicating unwanted metabolism caused by the altered gas composition. The production of potential off-odours was, however, not possible to distinguish in the sensory analyses of the strawberries. The results indicated that storage in a modified atmosphere (11–14% O₂ and 9–12% CO₂) can be used to maintain the quality of Honeoye and Korona strawberries for a longer time, than if kept in air in open containers.     

Postharvest CO2 and Ethylene Production and Quality Maintenance of Fresh-Cut Kiwifruit Slices

The quality attributes and gas production of fresh-cut kiwifruit slices (Actinidia deliciosa cv. Hayward) were studied to identify the optimum ranges of storage temperature, relative humidity, and atmospheric composition. Also the effects of wounding, C₂H₄ addition or removal, and chemical treatments (calcium, ascorbic acid, citric acid) on deterioration rate were investigated. Flesh softening was the major quality loss of stored fresh-cut kiwifruit slices. Fresh-cut kiwifruit slices had a shelf-life of 9–12 days if treated with 1% CaCl₂ or 2% Ca lactate, and stored atO-2°C and >90% relative humidity in an C₂H₄-free atmosphere of 2 to 4 kPa O₂ and/or 5to10kPaCO₂.     

Rapid CO2 Evolution Method for Determining Shelf Life of Refrigerated Catfish

The feasibility of a CO₂ evolution method using an IR analyzer to evaluate the shelf life of refrigerated (4deg;C) catfish was investigated. Aerobic plate count (APC), and isoelectric focusing (IEF) of samples were compared with the CO₂ evolution rate (CER) determinations. The increase in CER (25.78 to 195.63 Lg^?1h^?1) for farm raised catfish stored from 0 to 10 days correlated highly with APCs (4.32 to 10.24 log CFU g^?1). The IEF data also confirmed the APC and CER results. Catfish spoilage was evident after 6 days at 4°C. Direct measurement of CER is a rapid and effective method to determine the microbial quality of catfish.     

Physiology and Microbiological Quality of Fresh-cut Mango Cubes as Affected by High-O2 Controlled Atmospheres

Preliminary study showed that among 40‐ to 100‐kPa O₂ atmospheres, 60‐kPa O₂ reduced the respiration of fresh‐cut ‘Carabao’ mango cubes the most when held at 5 °C or 13 °C for 42 h. Therefore, the effects of 60‐kPa O₂ on the physiology and microbial quality of fresh‐cut ‘Carabao’ and ‘Nam Dokmai’ mango cubes were determined and compared with those held in air. The high‐O₂ atmosphere reduced the respiration rate of ‘Carabao’ mango cubes stored at 5 °C but stimulated the rate after 2 d of storage at 13 °C. Browning of ‘Carabao’ cubes was accelerated by 60‐kPa O₂ at 13 °C. With ‘Nam Dokmai’ cubes, the high O₂ had no effect on respiration rate, browning, and incidence of water‐soaked appearance at 5 °C and 13 °C. The high O₂ did not affect texture or ascorbic acid content of ‘Carabao’ and ‘Nam Dokmai’ mango cubes at either temperature. Counts of lactic acid bacteria and molds were below the detection level (2.4 log colony‐forming units [CFU]/g) during storage at both temperatures. However, 60‐kPa O₂ stimulated the growth of mesophilic aerobic bacteria on ‘Carabao’ cubes and yeasts of ‘Nam Dokmai’ cubes at 13 °C. The increased microbial count may have been due to the higher pH of cubes stored in 60‐kPa O₂ at 13 °C than at 5 °C or in air. Within ‘Nam Dokmai’ mango cubes, the predominant genera in mesophilic aerobic bacteria were Enterobacter, Klebsiella, and Pantoea and in the yeasts were Candida, Cryptococcus, and Rhodotorula. These results indicate that 60‐kPa O₂ is not desirable for mango cubes when held at 13 °C.