Sensorial and physicochemical quality responses of pears (cv Rocha) to long‐term storage under controlled atmospheres

Pears (cv Rocha) kept under controlled atmospheres (CA) and air were evaluated after long‐term storage in terms of sensory attributes and physicochemical parameters, namely colour, firmness, polyphenoloxidase (PPO) activity and concentration of hydroxycinnamic compounds. The CA conditions were all combinations of 2 and 4% (v/v) O₂ with 0.5 and 1.5% (v/v) CO₂. Storage under CA conditions produced a beneficial effect on ‘Rocha’ pears in maintaining their quality and, consequently, in extending their shelf life and acceptability. Clear differences in sensorial attributes, colour parameters and PPO activity were found between CA‐ and air‐stored pears. The effect provided by the CA conditions persisted throughout the time of exposure to the open air. The 2% O₂ concentration produced a more beneficial effect than its 4% counterpart on the sensorial and physical characteristics of the pears. The former concentration of O₂ prevented yellowing and allowed regular softening, hence keeping a high flavour quality. No clear effects could be associated with CO₂ levels. Empirical models were developed that describe the effects of O₂ and CO₂ concentrations, as well as time at room temperature on physicochemical parameters pertaining to ‘Rocha’ pears. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry     

Physiological responses and quality attributes of ‘Kyoho’ grapes to controlled atmosphere storage

This research studied the physiological responses and quality attributes of Kyoho grapes (Vitis vinifera X V. labrusca) to controlled atmosphere storage. The grapes were stored for up to 60 days in 95% relative humidity with four different conditions, 4% O₂+9% CO₂, 4% O₂+30% CO₂, 80% O_2, and air, as control. The examined physiological responses and quality attributes included polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity, ethanol concentration, fruit detachment force (FDF), firmness, color, soluble solid content (SSC), titratable acidity (TA), ascorbic acid concentration (Vc), and sensory quality. PPO activity, FDF drop and decay incidence when stored in 4% O₂+30% CO₂ were more effectively controlled, but unacceptable alcoholic flavor and browning were detected after 45 days, compared with those stored in 4% O₂+9% CO₂ or 80% O₂. The fruits kept in 4% O₂+9% CO₂ or 80% O₂ had good quality during 60 days of storage. The results suggested that high O₂ atmosphere exhibited a potential for maintaining the quality of ‘Kyoho’ grapes during long-term storage.     

Effects of controlled atmosphere (CA) storage on pectinmethylesterase (PME) activity and texture of ‘Rocha’ pears

Firmness and pectinmethylesterase (PME) activity were evaluated in pears (cv Rocha) after 9 months of storage in controlled atmosphere (CA) followed by various periods of exposure to air at room temperature. The free calcium content was also evaluated in tissues. Fruit firmness decreased with increasing time of air exposure for all four different CA storage conditions tested. After 9 days of air exposure, fruits stored in 2% O₂ + 1.5% CO₂ were less firm than control fruits (stored in air) and showed higher PME activity. In spite of normal textural changes being observed with increasing time of exposure to air at room temperature, the underlying metabolism might have been affected by CA storage. © 2001 Society of Chemical Industry     

Effect of different levels of CO2 on the antioxidant content and the polyphenol oxidase activity of ‘Rocha’ pears during cold storage

Pears (Pyrus communis L. cv. ‘Rocha’) were exposed to air or controlled atmosphere (CA) containing various concentrations of CO₂: 0, 0.5 and 5 kPa, all with 2 kPa O₂. After 4 months of storage at 2 °C, the fruits were transferred to air at room temperature, and assessed in terms of soluble solids, titratable acidity, pH, incidence of brown heart and flesh browning, phenolic content, vitamin C content and polyphenol oxidase activity. By 4 months of storage, soluble solids and pH increased, and acidity decreased relative to harvest, but no differences were detected between pears stored under air or any of the CA tested. Higher contents of hydroxycinnamic derivatives and flavan‐3‐ols in the peel than in the flesh were recorded. However, the content of arbutin was higher in the flesh than in the peel, whereas flavonols were only detected in the peel. In general, hydroxycinnamic derivatives and flavonols were stable throughout storage, but flavan‐3‐ols decreased in concentration under air or CA. Arbutin was the only phenolic compound that increased in concentration as time elapsed. No clear relation was found between the storage conditions tested and the phenolic concentration in pears. Regarding ascorbic acid (AA) and dehydroascorbic acid (DHA), their concentrations were higher in the peel than in the flesh. Furthermore, AA and DHA were strongly affected by storage: the former decreased, whereas the latter increased in content. A decrease in PPO activity was apparent after harvest and during storage, particularly under higher levels of CO₂. The combination 2 kPa O₂ + 5 kPa CO₂ increased the incidence of internal disorders (viz. brown heart and flesh browning) after storage. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry     

Inhibition of enzymes and Pseudomonas tolaasii growth on Agaricus bisporus following treatment with surface dielectric barrier discharge plasma

In this study the applicability of cold plasma, produced by surface dielectric barrier discharge (SDBD), to inactivate Pseudomonas tolaasii (P.tolaasii), polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and peroxidase (POD) enzymes, as well as its impact on quality parameters such as, color, texture, pH and weight loss were evaluated. The study evidently shows that treating with combination of 30% hydrogen peroxide vapor)with flow rate of 0.47 mL min⁻¹) and argon (H₂O₂ + Ar) for 180 s is capable of reducing the activity of PPO (0.17 U min⁻¹ g⁻¹ FW) and POD (0.21 U min⁻¹ g⁻¹ FW) and increasing the SOD enzyme (16.29 U g⁻¹ FW) in a 21-day storage period compared to control samples. This is while the quality characteristics of button mushroom are preserved during storage after such treatment.Industrial relevanceThis study provides information of A. bisporus storage during 21-day period after SDBD plasma treatment, which is rarely. Greater inactivation of P. tolaasii after 180 s treatment with combination of hydrogen peroxide vapor and air (H₂O₂ + air) was shown compared to control samples, but this treatment caused also slightly degradation of button mushroom color. A better reduction of PPO and POD enzyme activity as well as further increase of SOD enzyme activity was observed following treatment with 180 s of H₂O₂ + Ar gas in a 21-day storage period. This research work contributes to the understanding SDBD plasma induced effects on the shelf-life of button mushroom and could be a basis for a possible industrial implementation.     

Study of the quality changes and myofibrillar proteins of white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) under modified atmosphere packaging with varying CO2 levels

This paper studied the effect of modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) with 40–80 % CO₂, 5 % O₂ and 15–55 % N₂ on the quality of Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) during 10-day storage at (4 ± 1) °C. The effect of CO₂ on the shrimp quality was compared by analyzing the quality indices such as total viable counts (TVC), total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N), pH and polyphenoloxidase (PPO) activity, whiteness and sensory attributes. Changes in myofibril length of shrimp flesh were also studied, which correspond to flesh softening. The findings suggest that the shrimp packaged in modified atmosphere had better quality indices than the control. Compared the MAP-batches, 80 % CO₂/15 % N₂/5 % O₂ led to the lowest level of TVC, TVB-N values, PPO activity and the highest sensory scores. Therefore, high-CO₂ packaging should be recommended to delay quality loss of shrimp during transportation and storage.     

Polyphenoloxidase Activity and Color of Blanched and High Hydrostatic Pressure Treated Banana Puree

The effects of blanching and high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) treatments on natural flora evolution, polyphenoloxidase (PPO) activity and color of banana puree adjusted to pH 3.4 and water activity (a_w) of 0.97 were evaluated during 15 days storage at 25°C. Standard plate as well as yeast and mold counts of HHP treated purees were <10 CFU/g throughout storage. Blanching time was found to affect (P<0.05) puree color. HHP treatments retained the initial color of the banana purees. Longer browning induction times and slower browning rates were observed when a longer blanching time was combined with a 689 MPa pressure treatment. A residual PPO activity < 5% was observed in the puree when a 7 min blanch was followed by HHP treatment at 689 MPa for 10 min.     

Effects of Drying Method, Packaging, and Storage Temperature and Time on the Quality of Dill (Anethum graveolens L.)

Sorption isotherms, color and sensory quality of the dill herb (Anethum graveolens L.) were determined over a 2-yr period in experiments investigating the effects of packaging and storage temperature and time for air-dried and freeze-dried dill. The intensity scoring of odor and taste was significantly (p < 0.01) poorer for the dried dills than for frozen dill. Drying with heated air and the subsequent deteriorative processes essentially altered the odor and taste. In the case of freeze-dried dill the storage conditions were important; when storage was at room temperature (23°C) the intensity of the odor and taste was better preserved in vacuum packages than in glass jars or paper bags.     

The combined effect of rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) and modified atmosphere packaging as protection against warmed over flavour in cooked minced pork meat

Rosemary (dried leaves ofRosmarinus officinalis L.) added to cooked meat balls (minced pork) was found to retard the formation of warmed over flavour (WOF) during chill storage. The spice was added to pork meat (Longissimus dorsi) balls in an amount acceptable for the product, as evaluated by a sensory panel (0.05% of total weight). After cooking (water bath, internal temperature 80°C), the meat balls were packed using five atmosphere packaging conditions: (i) air; (ii) 5% O₂/95% N₂; (iii) 3% O₂/97% N₂; (iv) 1% O₂/99% N₂; and (v) 100% N₂. During chill storage (5°C), the sensory quality of the reheated meat balls was evaluated by a trained sensory panel, and lipid oxidation was followed by measurement of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS). The combination of decreased O₂ atmosphere in the packages and addition of rosemary resulted in a significantly (p<0.05) lower amount of TBARS and a significantly (p<0.05) better sensory score.     

SELECTION OF CHEMICAL AND THERMAL PRETREATMENT COMBINATION TO REDUCE THE DEHYDRATION TIME OF SOUR CHERRY (Prunus cerasus L.)

Sour cherry (Prunus cerasus L.) is a good source of anthocyanins showing antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory activities. Contemporary drying processes of fruits and vegetables should be fast and at relatively low drying temperatures to minimize the energy consumption and the thermal degradation of their nutritional composition. Therefore, sour cherries placed into sample bags were dipped in one of eight different pretreatment combinations consisting of chemical solutions (2% ethyl oleate, 2% K₂CO₃, 1% citric acid or water) and dipping temperature (23 or 60C) for 1 min to accelerate the skin moisture diffusivity by breaking down the waxy cuticular surface of sour cherry. Pretreated sour cherry samples were dehydrated by three different methods (artificial drying, solar drying and open sun drying). Sour cherries treated with 2% ethyl oleate solution at room temperature (23C) were the fastest to reach the final weight loss percentage (75%). They dried in 24 h in the laboratory tray dryer providing 45.2C drying air. The untreated samples reached the same weight loss percentage of 75% at a drying time of 92 h. A high dipping temperature (60C) eliminated the positive effect of ethyl oleate. Solar drying and open sun drying of sour cherries treated with 2% ethyl oleate at room temperature finished approximately in 149 h and 372 h, respectively. The color of dried sour cherries was used as a quality indicator. The increase of dehydration time decreased redness values as seen in solar drying and open sun drying. The recommended pretreatment and drying processes for sour cherries are dipping them into 2% ethyl oleate solution at room temperature for 1 min and then drying them artificially at 45.2C air temperature to effectively retain their original color.     

Quality and biochemical changes of longan (Dimocarpus longan Lour cv. Daw) fruit under different controlled atmosphere conditions

Sulphur dioxide has been used to control pericarp browning in longan fruit. However, due to health and regulatory concerns, alternative treatments should be tested. The objective of this study was to find the tolerance levels of longan fruit to low O₂ (2%, 5%, 10% and 15%) and elevated CO₂ (5%, 10%, 15% and 20%) at 2 °C. According to the tolerance study, controlled atmospheres (CA) of 5% O₂ + 5% CO₂, 5% O₂ + 10% CO₂ and 5% O₂ + 15% CO₂ were compared with normal air (control) at 2 °C. Pericarp browning and decay incidence of longan were significantly (P ≤ 0.05) higher in control than all the CA treatments. CA storage reduced polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity, maintained L* value and slowed down a decrease in total phenolic contents (TPC). Pericarp browning was highly correlated with PPO, L* and TPC.     

浸渍冻结对凡纳滨对虾冻藏过程中品质的影响

为了研究浸渍冻结对凡纳滨对虾冻藏品质的影响,以挥发性盐基氮含量、脂肪氧化值、pH值、盐溶性蛋白含量、Ca2+-ATP酶活力、多酚氧化酶活力、感官评价为指标,考察浸渍冻结和静止空气冻结对凡纳滨对虾品质特性的影响。结果表明：冻藏期间静止空气冻结对虾的挥发性盐基氮含量、脂肪氧化值、pH值等腐败指标均高于浸渍冻结对虾,并且随着冻藏时间延长而显著性增大（P＜0.05）;盐溶性蛋白含量、Ca2+-ATP酶活力和多酚氧化酶活力随冻藏时间延长而下降,蛋白质逐渐变性,品质下降,但浸渍冻结对虾的下降程度小于静止空气冻结的。感官评价进一步显示,两种冻结方式处理对虾的组织、气味、色泽和外观4 方面有不同程度下降,品质不断下降,但浸渍冻结对虾的感官评分高于静止空气冻结的对虾。综合以上结果,浸渍冻结更有利于对虾冻藏过程中品质的保持。     

Effect of Pretreatments on Quality Characteristics of Dehydrated Ivy Gourd (Coccinia indica L.)

Ivy gourd (Coccinia indica L.) is an important tropical vegetable cultivated in India. It belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family and is attributed with neutraceutical properties such as hypoglycemic effect and contained a fair amount of ascorbic acid. The effect of blanching and different pretreatments on the quality characteristics of dehydrated ivy gourd slices was optimized. The treated ivy gourd slices were dehydrated in a cross flow hot air drier at 50 ± 1 °C to a final moisture content of 4.6%. The dehydration ratio of dried ivy gourd slices ranged from 17.1:1 to 18.7:1. Ivy gourd slices blanched at 98 °C in water, dipped in 0.2% potassium metabisulphite (K₂S₂O₅) solution and dried at 50 ± 1 °C for 5–6 h resulted in best product. Dehydrated ivy gourd slices obtained from the optimized treatment had good color, texture with rehydration ratio of 1:8.6. Equilibrium relative humidity of dehydrated slices was 34.18% with an initial moisture content of 4.6% at 28 ± 1 °C. Dehydrated slices were packed in low density polyethylene (LDPE) and metallized polyester polyethylene (MPP) pouches and stored at room temperature (27–35 °C) for 6 months. The dehydrated slices were analyzed for changes in physicochemical composition and sensory quality characteristic such as color and appearance, texture and overall quality during storage. Dehydrated ivy gourd slices remained acceptable during storage of 4 and 6 months in LDPE and MPP pouches, respectively, at room temperature.     

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.     

QUALITY OF PINK TOMATOES (cv. BUFFALO) AFTER STORAGE UNDER CONTROLLED ATMOSPHERE AT CHILLING AND NONCHILLING TEMPERATURES

Greenhouse-grown pink tomatoes (cv. Buffalo) were stored in air or in a controlled atmosphere (CA) of 4% O₂ plus 2% CO₂, to study the effect of CA at chilling and nonchilling temperatures on fruit quality characteristics. Tomatoes could be stored in CA at 12C for three weeks with no major changes in fruit appearance. CA was effective in delaying color development and ripening at this temperature. The soluble solids content was lower after CA storage, but no significant differences in firmness, pH or titratable acidity were observed between storage in air or CA. Storage in CA at 12C was also effective in reducing decay. However, at 6C, fruit showed high incidence of decay after both air and CA storage. CA did not alleviate chilling injury symptoms relative to air-stored samples and may have caused CO₂ injury. Water loss was greater under CA at both temperatures.     

Storage Quality Characteristics of Beef Rib Eye Steaks Packaged in Modified Atmospheres

Microbiological, chemical, physical and sensory attributes of beef rib eye steaks packaged in air, vacuum or combinations of %O₂-%CO₂ (10–20, 20–20, 10–40, 20–40), were examined during storage at 2°–4° C. Modified atmosphere (MAs) changes over time were measured. Oxygen concentration decreased while CO² increased during storage, for all MAs. Vacuum was superior to MAs in delaying bacterial growth other than that of Enterobacteriaceae, in protecting beef color and lipids against oxidation and in maintaining sensory attributes in steaks. MAs were superior to packaging in air for all parameters tested, and to vacuum only in that Enterobacteriaceae were strongly inhibited, purge losses decreased by 50% and cooking yields increased. High-CO² MAs (40%) did not impair beef color, but CO² promoted lipid oxidation. Volatile basic nitrogen (VBN) did not indicate beef freshness.     

Modelling the gas exchange rate in perforation-mediated modified atmosphere packaging: Effect of the external air movement and tube dimensions

Perforation-mediated modified atmosphere packages control the gas exchange rate and thus the internal atmosphere composition by judicious choice of dimensions of small tubes in perforations in an otherwise hermetic container. The aims of this work were (i) to study the effect of external turbulence on the gas exchange rate through small perforations, (ii) to develop a mathematical model to predict the effect of tube dimensions and hydrodynamic conditions on gas exchange coefficients, and (iii) validate the model developed during the storage of shredded carrots. Different hydrodynamic conditions in the controlled temperature room due to the storage temperature settings (5, 10 and 15 °C) and PVC tubes dimensions (diameter from 1.5 to 4.5 mm length from 2.0 to 6.0 mm) were tested. Results showed that, as expected, hydrodynamic conditions (induced turbulence) and tube diameter had a significantly positive effect on the mass transfer values, whereas tube length had a negative effect. The permeability ratio between CO₂ and O₂ was 0.83 ± 0.01 and did not show any pattern with the factors tested. The gas exchange coefficients increased with decreasing temperature, as the establishment of lower temperatures implied a frequent air movement. A mathematical model to estimate changes of gas composition over time as a function of tube dimensions and hydrodynamic conditions was developed and found to have good predictive abilities. The model was validated during the storage of shredded carrots at 5 °C in PM-MAP, showing a good agreement between the experimental and predicted gas exchange of O₂ and CO₂. The results obtained in this work showed that hydrodynamic conditions of the cold storage room affected the gas exchange rate in PM-MAP.     

OXIDATIVE STRESS AND ANTIOXIDANT SYSTEMS IN TOMATO FRUITS DURING STORAGE

Tomato varieties ARTH‐3 (long shelf‐life; 14–15 days) and Sel‐7 (short shelf‐life; 5–7 days), harvested at color turning stage, were stored in open trays at 10, 25 and 35C and sampled at two day intervals until complete deterioration. Variety ARTH‐3 could be stored at all the temperatures for ten days, while Sel‐7 could tolerate 35C only for four days. However, at 10 and 25C, it could be stored for six days. In both varieties, lipoxygenase (LOX) activity, malondialdehyde (MDA) value and H₂O₂ content increased during storage. Increase in storage temperature further enhanced the activity of LOX, and also increased MDA value and H₂O₂ content. Sel‐7 had higher values for these parameters than ARTH‐3. Activities of enzymes responsible for scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS) viz., superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, ascorbate peroxidase, glutathione reductase and catalase decreased continuously during storage. With increase in temperature, the activities of these enzymes further decreased significantly in both varieties. Sel‐7 had significantly lower activities of ROS scavenging enzymes than ARTH‐3 throughout the storage period. These results suggest that fruits stored at higher temperature are subjected to severe oxidative damage leading to extensive membrane damage and loss of tissue structure.     

Controlled Atmosphere and Ethylene Effects on Quality of California Canning Apricots and Clingstone Peaches

Storage at 2% O₂ plus 5% CO₂ at 1.1°C maintained higher flesh firmness and lower pH and retarded decay more effectively than air storage of immature (M1) and over-mature (M3) Patterson and Tilton apricot fruits. CA storage of fruits picked at the optimum maturity stage (M2) produced little benefit over air storage, however. -Treatment with 100 ppm ethylene for 48 hours accelerated softening and color change at 20°C compared to ripening in air and may potentially be used to prepare immature apricot fruits for canning in the shortest possible time. Large differences in storageability and canned quality following storage were found among the five clingstone peach cultivars tested. Loadel and Carolyn: peaches, if in sound condition at harvest, can be stored for up to 4 wk under 2% O₂+ 5% CO₂ at 1.1°C. Andross, Klamt and Halford peaches should be stored for shorter storage periods only. Fruits ripened at 20°C with ethylene (100 ppm for 48 hr) were similar to those ripened without it in appearance, texture, and flavor.     

Fruit quality and physiological responses of litchi cultivar McLean's Red to 1-methylcyclopropene pre-treatment and controlled atmosphere storage conditions

The effect of 1-MCP pre-treatment and two different controlled atmosphere storage conditions (CA-1, 17% O₂ + 6% CO₂; CA-2, 7% O₂ + 3% CO₂) on fruit quality parameters and physiological changes with respect to pericarp browning in ‘McLean's Red’ litchi were investigated. Fruits were pre-treated with 1-MCP (500 nl/l) and held at CA-1 or CA-2 for 21 d at 2 °C and at 90% RH. Stand-alone CA-1 or stand-alone CA-2 and the commercially adopted sulphur dioxide (SO₂) treatment were included in this study for comparison. Of the five treatments 1-MCP + CA-1 was most effective in preventing browning, loss of red colour (colour value a*) of the pericarp, ascorbic acid content; and retaining acceptable SSC/TA and taste. Fruit from 1-MCP + CA-1 showed higher overall acceptance after 21 d storage without any off-flavour according to the sensory panel data.1-MCP + CA-1 reduced the polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and peroxidase (POD) activity, retained membrane integrity and anthocyanin content during storage. Although SO₂ treatment prevents browning it showed negative effects on SSC/TA, taste and membrane integrity. Stand-alone CA-2 condition indicated higher pericarp browning, PPO, POD activity and loss of membrane integrity. Therefore, 1-MCP pre-treatment and CA-1 retains overall fruit quality for up to 21 d.