Effect of short‐term air storage after removal from controlled‐atmosphere storage on apple and fresh‐cut apple quality

BACKGROUND: One of the realities of apple distribution for long‐term stored fruit is that a controlled‐atmosphere (CA) storage room will be unsealed and fruit held in air storage and marketed over several weeks. This work was conducted to determine the effect of post‐CA air storage of whole fruit on potential shelf life for fresh‐cut apple slices. RESULTS: Fresh‐cut slices of ‘Spartan’ and ‘Delicious’ apples held in post‐CA air storage for 2 or 4 weeks showed the least changes in cut surface color as compared with those made from apples immediately on removal from CA. Shelf life was most improved by post‐CA air storage in the ‘Spartan’ apples, which were more advanced in maturity as compared with the ‘Delicious’ apples. Internal ethylene concentration, firmness, and respiration changed significantly with post‐CA air storage, suggesting a relationship between physiological status of the whole fruit and shelf life of slices made from that fruit. CONCLUSION: The results support the hypothesis that apples had suppressed physiological activity in CA storage and are susceptible to accelerated deterioration upon cutting. Holding fruit for 2 weeks in air storage allowed recovery of physiological activity, which resulted in greater resistance to deterioration in response to fresh‐cut processing. Copyright © 2010 Crown in the right of Canada. Published by JohnWiley & Sons, Ltd     

Poststorage Behavior of Apple Fruit After Low Oxygen Storage as Influenced by Temperatures During Storage and in Transit

‘Delicious’, ‘Newtown’ and ‘Granny Smith’ apples (Malus domestica Borkh.) maintained acceptable flesh firmness and high levels of titratable acids and soluble solids after 9 months of storage in 1% 0₂ at either 0°C or 3.3°C. Low-0₂-stored ‘Delicious’ were kept at 0°C for 6 wk without developing physiological disorders before or after 8 days of ripening at 20°C. Storage at 3.3°C caused ‘Delicious’ to soften faster during 6 wk of post-storage holding plus 8 days of ripening. ‘Newtown’ apples developed flesh browning and alcohol flavor after 9 months of low 0₂ storage at 0°C. ‘Newtown’ fruit stored at 3.3°C developed only minimal incidence of flesh browning and alcohol flavor. ‘Granny Smith’ fruit were free from scald, core flush, flesh browning and alcohol flavor after low 0₂ storage, regardless of storage temperature. However, core flush and flesh browning appeared when ‘Granny Smith’ were kept for 6 wk at 0°C plus 8 days at 20°C.     

CHANGES IN THE ACTIVITY AND SUBCELLULAR DISTRIBUTION OF PPO IN 'DELICIOUS' APPLES DURING CONTROLLED ATMOSPHERE STORAGE

Polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity in 4, 000 × g, 100, 000 × g, 200 × g and soluble fractions of ‘Delicious’ apples was monitored during 28 weeks of controlled atmosphere storage. PPO activity in 4, 000 × g and 100, 000 × g fractions decreased, while that in soluble and 200 × g fractions increased. These shifts in subcellular location occurred sooner in apples which were stored under high CO₂ conditions (2.5–6% O₂, 8–12% CO₂) than those under normal CA conditions (2% O₂, 3% CO₂). Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of 4, 000 × g fractions isolated from ‘Delicious’ apples at harvest showed 2 bands with PPO activity, while stored samples all had 3 bands. Isoenzyme patterns were found to vary in different subcellular fractions.     

APPLE QUALITY AS INFLUENCED BY METHOD OF CaCl2 APPLICATION1

Pressurized CaCl₂ treatment of apple fruits enhanced storage quality of both ‘Golden Delicious’ and ‘Lord Lambourne’ apples. Calcium dip treated apples were similar in storage quality to untreated apples. Apple fruits that were pressure treated with CalCl₂ were firmer than calcium dip treated or untreated apples. Calcium treatment, either pressure or dip treated, reduced pH and total browning. Quality parameters were influenced more by CaCl₂ at the first harvest than in a subsequent harvest.     

‘金冠’和‘富士’苹果采后活性氧相关代谢差异比较

以‘金冠’苹果和‘富士’苹果果实为试材,研究常温（23±2）℃后熟衰老期间活性氧（reactive oxygen species,ROS）相关代谢的变化。结果表明：‘金冠’硬度的下降快于‘富士’,呼吸强度高峰和乙烯释放高峰均比‘富士’早49 d出现。‘金冠’中的超氧阴离子自由基的产生速率、过氧化氢和丙二醛的含量在贮藏期间均高于‘富士’。‘富士’中的过氧化物酶、过氧化氢酶及超氧化物歧化酶活力在整个贮藏期间均显著或极显著低于‘金冠’（P＜0.05、P＜0.01）,且活力高峰出现时间比‘金冠’分别晚63、56、49 d。‘富士’中谷胱甘肽还原酶活力高峰出现时间虽比‘金冠’晚49 d,但其峰值却为金冠的2.11 倍。此外,与‘金冠’相比,‘富士’在常温后熟期间保持了较高的抗坏血酸含量和较低的抗坏血酸过氧化物酶活性。结论：‘金冠’采后ROS水平与ROS代谢有关的酶活性高于‘富士’,成熟衰老速度快,贮藏期短。不同品种苹果果实间的耐贮藏性差异可能与ROS水平密切相关,但考虑到ROS产生和清除体系复杂性,苹果果实的耐贮藏性与ROS代谢能力的联系还需要进一步研究阐明。     

Apple Quality as Influenced by Fumigation with Methyl Bromide

The use of methyl bromide (MeBr) did not detract from the firmness or skin color of‘Delicious’, ‘Golden Delicious’ or ‘Granny Smith’ apples. Fruit fumigation with MeBr resulted in a darkening of the objective and subjective internal flesh color of ‘Delicious apples, particularly unwaxed apples treated with 48g MeBr/m₃ at 20°C for 2 hr. Internal flesh color of ‘Golden Delicious’ apples was not influenced at 48g MeBr/m³ at 6°C for 2 hr. Fumigation with 32g MeBr/ m³ at 20°C or 56g MeBr/m³ at 6°C for 2 hr did not detract from the firmness or internal color quality of ‘Delicious’, ‘Golden Delicious’ or ‘Granny Smith’ apples after 60 days in storage. MeBr-treated apples displayed greater acidity and less ethylene production than control fruit. Higher MeBr treatment temperature and the use of wax on fruit directly influenced the reaction of apples to MeBr fumigation.     

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     

PREDICTION OF APPLE FIRMNESS FROM MASS LOSS AND SHRINKAGE

Prediction of firmness from mass loss and shrinkage was investigated in apples (Malus x domestica Borkh.) under regular atmosphere (RA) storage conditions. Apples (‘Delicious’ and ‘Fuji’) were repeatedly weighed to determine mass loss. Shrinkage was measured with a strain gauge sensor. ‘Delicious’ apples lost firmness (73 to 58 N) while ‘Fuji’ apples maintained firmness at 69 N over 57 days in storage. Apples lost mass at a constant rate with ‘Delicious’ losing mass slower (0.6 % per month) than ‘Fuji’ (1.1% per month). ‘Delicious’ apple shrank less (0.28 mm) than the ‘Fuji’ (0.70 mm) over 57 days. The relationship between firmness and mass loss, or shrinkage was dependent on apple cultivar. Firmness was significantly and linearly related to mass loss and to shrinkage in ‘Delicious’ apples. It is possible to predict firmness of ‘Delicious’ apples under RA storage conditions by tracking mass loss or shrinkage.     

Quality of Minimally Processed Apple Slices from Selected Cultivars

Twelve cultivars were prepared as slices and stored 12 days at 2°C. Changes in respiration and quality factors were compared. Initial respiration rates among cultivars varied from 3.5 mL CO₂/kg/hr in Delicious to 7.6 mL CO₂/kg/hr in Monroe and decreased rapidly during the first 3 days. Idared, McIntosh, Delicious, and Rome showed relatively low respiration throughout storage. Firmness of slices during storage decreased gradually for 7 days and more rapidly thereafter. Empire, Golden Delicious, and Idared apples showed minimum changes in firmness. Change in color of slices was rapid during the first 3 days. Cortland. Emuire. Golden Delicious. New York 674. and Delicious showed least browning. Titratable acidity, pH, soluble solids, and weight changes during storage were small and varied by cultivar. NY674, Cortland, Golden Delicious, Empire, and Delicious showed more desirable attributes for minimal processing.     

Effect of heat treatment on physiochemical,colour, antioxidant and microstructural characteristics of apples during storage

Changes in qualities of ‘Red Fuji’ and ‘Golden Delicious’ apples in response to different heat treatments (45 and 60 °C) following cold storage were investigated. Quality indices including firmness, titratable acidity, total phenolic content, antioxidant capacity, colour parameters and microstructure were measured. Results indicated heat treatment at both temperatures for 3‐h hastened loss of titratable acidity in ‘Red Fuji’ and ‘Golden Delicious’ apples, but maintained firmness in both cultivars. However, heat treatment at lower temperature (45 °C) best maintained total phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity in ‘Red Fuji’ apples throughout storage, whereas there was no difference between heat treatments in ‘Golden Delicious’ apples. Examination by scanning electron microscope (SEM) revealed that the effect of heat treatment at different temperatures on ‘Red Fuji’ and ‘Golden Delicious’ apples was structurally different. Apple tissue that had been heat treated at elevated temperature (60 °C) for 3 h was associated with fractured cell walls and collapse of cells.     

Browning characteristics of fresh-cut ‘Tsugaru’ apples as affected by pre-slicing storage atmospheres

The change in browning characteristics of the slices processed from ‘Tsugaru’ apples stored at 0 °C for 5 months under controlled atmosphere (CA, 1 kPa O₂ + 1 kPa CO₂, 3 kPa O₂ + 3 kPa CO₂) or air has been investigated for 5 days at 20 °C. Respiration and ethylene production of the slices from apples stored in CA were retarded. Electrolyte leakage and browning index were lower in the slices from apples stored under CA than air. Vitamin C and phenolic contents in the slices from apples stored under air were maintained at higher level compared to the slices from apples stored under CA. Polyphenol oxidase activity in the slices was not affected by pre-slicing storage atmospheres. Therefore, the atmospheres of pre-slicing storage affected browning development in fresh-cut products of ‘Tsugaru’ apples and browning was found to be correlated with the levels of electrolyte leakage and phenolic compounds.     

QUALITY OF ‘GALA’ APPLES AS INFLUENCED BY HARVEST MATURITY,STORAGE ATMOSPHERE AND CONCOMITANT STORAGE WITH ‘BARTLETT’ PEARS1

Controlled atmosphere (CA) storage for 45 or 90 days following harvest reduced quality losses for both ‘Gala’apples and ‘Bartlett’pears compared with fruit from regular atmosphere (RA) storage. Fruit stored in CA were firmer, had higher acidity and less color change than fruit from RA storage. Apples and pears stored together in CA maintained good quality and compared favorably with apples or pears stored separately. There was no difference in fruit quality between fruit stored at 1% O₂ and 1% CO₂ compared with fruit stored in 2% O₂ and 3% CO₂. Fruit harvested at a more advanced stage of maturity deteriorated more quickly in storage than earlier harvested fruit. A combination of 45 days in CA followed by 30 days RA resulted in apples that were superior in quality to apples stored for 75 days in RA alone.     

CHANGES OF SOME ODOR-ACTIVE VOLATILES IN CONTROLLED ATMOSPHERE-STORED APPLES

The effect of controlled atmosphere (CA) storage on the production of 22 odor-active volatiles in ‘McIntosh’ and ‘Cortland’ apples was studied. Volatiles were analyzed periodically during ripening in air after harvest, during refrigerated air and CA storage, and during ripening in air after CA storage. Production of most volatiles at a lower rate during ripening after CA storage than during ripening immediately after harvest cannot be attributed entirely to the action of CA. Under the conditions of this study (3% O₂+ 3% CO₂+ 94% N₂ at 0°C for 19 weeks) CA storage caused a “residual suppression” effect on the production of propyl butanoate, butyl hexanoate, and hexyl hexanoate. Results indicate that CA might have altered the normal metabolism of the fruit by blocking the normal production of some volatiles either temporarily or permanently and either partially or completely.     

Effect of controlled atmospheres and shelf life period on concentrations of volatile substances released by ‘Pink Lady®’ apples and on consumer acceptance

BACKGROUND: ‘Pink Lady^®’ (Malus × domestica Borkh.) apples were harvested at commercial maturity and stored at 1 °C under either air or controlled atmosphere (CA) conditions (2.5 kPa O₂: 3 kPa CO₂ and 1 kPa O₂: 2 kPa CO₂) for 15 or 28 weeks. Standard quality parameters, consumer acceptance and volatile compound emission were evaluated after cold storage plus shelf life period at 20 °C. RESULTS: A shelf life period of 17 days after long‐term storage in controlled atmosphere allowed the regeneration of the characteristic esters associated to the aroma of this variety. Sixty‐five per cent of consumers preferred apples with higher emissions of aroma‐active volatile compounds, despite the fact that these apples displayed lower values for standard quality attributes. The most accepted samples corresponded to fruit stored in air for 15 weeks regardless of post‐storage period, in air for 28 weeks plus 1 day at 20 °C, and in 2.5 kPa O₂: 3 kPa CO₂ for 15 weeks plus 7 days at 20 °C. CONCLUSIONS: Concentrations of specific aroma volatile compounds are suggested to be more important than total aroma emission for consumer acceptance of ‘Pink Lady^®’ apples. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry     

Changes in Apple Polyphenoloxidase and Polyphenol Concentrations in Relation to Degree of Browning

Polyphenoloxidase (PPO) activity and polyphenol concentrations decreased during maturation and remained relatively constant during cold storage. However, there was no set pattern of changes in degree of browning during maturation and cold storage. Not all cultivars showed the same relationship between degree of browning and enzyme activity. In some cultivars (Classic Delicious, RI Greening, McIntosh and Cortland), PPO activity was directly related to degree of browning while in others (Empire, Rome and Golden Delicious), degree of browning was related more to phenolic concentration. High performance liquid chromatography analysis of the phenolics in apples showed that the types of phenolic compounds in all cultivars were similar and that no one particular compound could account for the differences observed in browning.     

Polyphenoloxidase activity and total phenolic content as related to browning of minimally processed ‘Jonagored’ apple

Phenolic content, polyphenoloxidase (PPO) activity and browning have been reported by different authors to vary in different ways, depending on cultivar, picking maturity, storage conditions, etc. Numerous authors have attempted to correlate browning results with the phenolic content and/or enzymatic activity of apples, but data published in the literature are divergent as to which of the two factors, ie the enzyme or the substrate, plays the decisive role in the overall phenomenon of enzymatic browning. The aim of this work was to follow the PPO activity and phenolic content of minimally processed apple (cv ‘Jonagored’) during cold storage and to establish a potential relationship with enzymatic browning. Increasing storage time of minimally processed apple seemed to result in an increase in PPO activity. No changes (P > 0.05) in total phenolic content were observed during storage. Colour degradation of apple cubes, as indicated by changes in colour parameters, was found to be highly correlated with PPO activity. Browning of ‘Jonagored’ apple cubes during storage was found to be moderately correlated with PPO activity. No correlation was found between the browning index and the total phenolic content. © 2001 Society of Chemical Industry     

SHORT‐TERM CONTROLLED ATMOSPHERE STORAGE FOR STORAGE‐LIFE EXTENSION OF WHITE‐FLESHED PEACHES AND NECTARINES1

Abstract Response of white‐fleshed peaches (‘Sugar Lady’, ‘Snow Giant’, ‘White Lady’and ‘Snow King’) and nectarines (‘Arctic Queen’and ‘Arctic Rose’) to controlled‐atmosphere (CA) storage is cultivar dependent. Samples of fruit of these six cultivars were collected just prior to commercial harvest and held in either regular‐atmosphere (RA) storage at 1C or controlled‐atmosphere (CA) storage at 2% O₂ and 6, 12 or 18% CO₂, all at 1C. Four of the six cultivars (‘Snow Giant’, ‘White Lady’, ‘Snow King’and ‘Arctic Queen’) displayed excessive internal browning and poor flesh color after only 30 days of storage and should not be considered for long storage (+30 days). While ‘Sugar Lady’and ‘Arctic Rose’performed better and are possible candidates for CA storage, they should not be stored more than 45 days after harvest. The value of CA storage to extend the marketing of white‐fleshed peaches and nectarines is questionable at best. If CA storage is to be used for storage‐life extension of white‐fleshed peaches and nectarines, O₂ level should be maintained at 2% or less and CO₂ level maintained at 12% or higher.     

Postharvest Use of Sucrose Polyesters for Extending the Shelf-life of Stored 'Golden Delicious' Apples

The post-storage uses of a sucrose-fatty acid polyester (SPE) formulation, commercial fruit wax and a combination of both were investigated on ‘Golden Delicious’ apples after fruit were removed from both controlled atmosphere (CA) and refrigerated storage. Quality parameters measured included color (skin and internal), firmness, soluble solids and titratable acidity. Physiological parameters measured were carbon dioxide and ethylene concentrations both evolved and internal. Refrigerated stored apples, treated with SPE, displayed retarded color development, higher acid and greater firmness values compared to controls. CA stored, treated apples possessed similar attributes but no firmness retention. Ethylene evolution was reduced in SPE-coated apples. In comparison to control apples, an internal accumulation of carbon dioxide and a reduction in ethylene was observed.     

STORAGE QUALITY OF WAXED AND NONWAXED 'DELICIOUS' AND 'GOLDEN DELICIOUS' APPLES

Wax coatings on ‘Delicious’ apples reduced weight loss and improved the firmness, color and appearance. Waxed ‘Golden Delicious’ apples displayed improved color and reduced weight loss, but firmness was not influenced by waxing. Internal carbon dioxide and ethylene content were higher in waxed fruit regardless of wax type or cultivar. A 60° wax-drying temperature on ‘Golden Delicious’ apples resulted in increased firmness and more uniform color but increased weight loss. Wax-drying temperature did not affect quality of ‘Delicious’ apples. No quality differences were evident among the apples waxed with shellac, carnauba or resin-based waxes.     

Dual effectiveness of sodium chlorite for enzymatic browning inhibition and microbial inactivation on fresh-cut apples

The dual effectiveness of sodium chlorite for browning inhibition and microbial inactivation on fresh-cut apples was investigated and compared to other anti-browning and antimicrobial agents. Results indicate that sodium chlorite significantly (P < 0.001) inhibited the browning reaction of fresh-cut Red Delicious apples stored at 5 °C for 14 days. This treatment also significantly reduced polyphenol oxidase activities. Treatments with acidified sodium chlorite, calcium chloride, or calcium ascorbate exhibited strong inhibition on apple browning during the early storage, these treatment effects diminished after 7 days in storage. Combining calcium chloride with sodium chlorite further significantly (P < 0.001) improved the firmness of apple slices, and browning inhibition during storage. Additionally, treatments with acidified sodium chlorite, sodium chlorite, or the combination of sodium chlorite and calcium chloride significantly (P < 0.001) reduced Escherichia coli populations on fresh-cut apples by 3.0, 3.6, and 3.9 log cfu g⁻¹ over the water control. The dual effectiveness of sodium chlorite to inhibit enzymatic browning and inactivate E. coli may allow this compound to achieve a prominent role in improving the quality and safety of products in the fresh-cut apple and other food industries.