Effect of calcium salts on the texture,structure and sensory acceptance of osmotically dehydrated guavas

The effect of additives, calcium chloride and calcium lactate (5–25 g kg^?1), on the osmotic dehydration of guavas with sucrose solutions was studied, aiming at the structural preservation of processed fruits. The osmotic process was evaluated from the reduction in weight of the guavas, water loss and solids gain, and the samples were analyzed with respect to calcium content, texture (stress and strain at failure, relaxation time and residual stress), structure by light microscopy and sensory acceptance. Calcium salts had a strong influence on the texture and structure of the processed guavas, resulting in the maintenance of tissue structure when calcium lactate was used at concentrations up to 15 g kg^?1, and calcium chloride was used at 5 g kg^?1. The sensory acceptability of guava was related to the structural and texture results. Calcium treatments did not improve guava's sensory acceptance. Guavas treated with calcium lactate showed good sensory acceptance, presenting slight inferior scores only at concentrations above 20g kg^?1, while CaCl₂ treated guavas showed average scores statistically equal to the sucrose and calcium lactate treated fruits only at 5 g kg^?1. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry     

Effect of Osmotic Dehydration and Pectin Edible Coatings on Quality and Shelf Life of Fresh-Cut Melon

The aim of this work was to investigate the influence of osmotic dehydration and pectin edible coating on quality parameters of fresh-cut melon. Fruits were osmodehydrated in 40°Bx sucrose solution containing 0.5% calcium lactate or dipped in 0.5% calcium lactate solutions. Then, samples were coated with 1% pectin. Melon pieces dipped in sanitizing solution (nontreated sample) were used as control. Weight loss, respiration rate, firmness, color parameters (lightness, chroma, and whiteness index), sensory acceptance, microbial growth, and structural changes of fruits were evaluated during storage at 5 °C for 14 days. The shelf life of the control sample was limited to 9 days due to microbial growth and sensory rejection, while treated samples showed a shelf life of 14 days. Higher preservation of firmness in coated samples was attributed to the action of calcium salt on melon structure, causing a strengthening of the cell wall. Calcium lactate also inhibited microbial growth along storage, improving microbiological stability of fresh-cut melon. The use of calcium lactate dips and pectin edible coatings hindered weight loss and maintained fruit color characteristics during the storage time. However, these pretreatments probably masked melon taste, reducing the sensory acceptance scores at the end of shelf life study. The combination of osmotic dehydration and pectin coatings was a good preservation alternative for fresh-cut melon, since it improved fruit sensory acceptance, promoting the reduction of product respiration rate, as well as the maintenance of quality parameters during 14 days.     

Microscopic features, mechanical and thermal properties of osmotically dehydrated guavas

The effects of an osmotic dehydration process using sucrose and maltose solutions at 40 and 60 °Brix on microscopic features and some mechanical and thermal properties of guava tissue were studied. Also the addition of calcium lactate to the sugar solutions, aiming at preserving the structure of the processed fruits, was investigated. The guava texture (stress at failure) and the structure as observed by light microscopy were both evaluated, and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was used to verify the interaction between calcium ions and cell wall pectin in the guava tissue. The calcium content of the differently treated samples was also related to microscopic features, mechanical and thermal properties of guavas. The osmotic process using sucrose and maltose solutions caused severe structural damage to the guava tissue, and this effect was intensified at higher sugar concentrations and by the use of sucrose solutions. The addition of calcium lactate promoted maintenance of the guava structure, showing turgid cells with well-defined cellular contours, resulting in an increase in hardness and indicating bonding between the Ca²⁺ and cell wall pectin, which was confirmed by the DSC experiments.     

IMPACT OF MODIFIED ATMOSPHERE PACKAGING ON THE OSMODEHYDRATED PAPAYA STABILITY

Papaya pieces were osmotically dehydrated in a 50°Brix sucrose solution containing calcium lactate (0.05 M) and lactic acid (0.02 M) as additives for 1 h at 25C, packed in polyethylene terephthalate (PET) containers and stored at 5C for 15 days. Fresh fruit pieces packed in PET containers and under atmosphere condition were used as control samples. Sensory acceptance, microbiological count, CO₂ and O₂ content inside the packages, color, mechanical properties and weight loss of the product were evaluated. PET containers prevented weight loss during storage. The utilization of calcium lactate as additive was effective in maintaining fruit hardness during refrigerated storage. The use of passive modified atmosphere associated with refrigeration was adequate to preserve the osmotically dehydrated fruit for 15 days, showing a good sensory acceptance by the consumers during the storage time.     

Influence of Modified Atmosphere Packaging and Osmotic Dehydration on the Quality Maintenance of Minimally Processed Guavas

ABSTRACT: The quality of minimally processed guavas ( Psidium guajava L.), osmotically dehydrated and packed under passive modified atmosphere, was evaluated during 24 d of storage at 5 °C. Modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) in polyethylene terephthalate (PET) containers had a strong influence on color preservation and weight loss of the guavas. Significant changes in the texture were found due to osmotic dehydration, but the color of the fresh fruit remained unchanged. Osmotically dehydrated guavas stored in MAP showed good microbial conditions during storage. The combination of storage temperature, modified atmosphere packaging, and the osmotic dehydration process maintained the quality of the guavas during 24 d of storage.     

Review characterization of edible films formulated with sodium alginate and low-methoxyl pectin in osmotic dehydration applications

The aim of this work was to evaluate the behaviour of two edible films (sodium alginate and low-methoxyl pectin) under different osmotic conditions (solutions: sucrose, glucose syrup and maltodextrin; concentrations: 40 °Brix and 60 °Brix; temperature 40 °C and processing times: 0.5, 1 and 2 h). From the experimental water loss and solid uptake kinetics, effective diffusion coefficients and the dehydration performance ratio were obtained. The microstructural characteristics of the osmodehydrated films were also analysed using pear as a food matrix. The results showed that films osmodehydrated with maltodextrin and glucose syrup solutions presented higher dehydration performance ratio values than those osmodehydrated with sucrose. A reduction in the thicknesses of edible coatings was observed. The best formulation was sodium alginate 2% and calcium lactate 5% according to the microstructural analysis and structural integrity for at least up to 16 h of osmotic dehydration.     

Combined Vacuum Impregnation and Electron‐Beam Irradiation Treatment to Extend the Storage Life of Sliced White Button Mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus)

This study assessed the application of an antibrowning solution using vacuum impregnation (VI) and then electron‐beam irradiation as a means to extend the shelf life of sliced white button mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus). A preliminary study helped to determine the best antibrowning solution and VI process parameters. Mushroom slices were impregnated with 2 g/100 g ascorbic acid + 1 g/100 g calcium lactate; 2 g/100 g citric acid + 1 g/100 g calcium lactate; 1 g/100 g chitosan + 1 g/100 g calcium lactate; and 1 g/100 g calcium lactate at different vacuum pressures and times and atmospheric restoration times. Selection of the antibrowning solution and VI parameters was based on texture and color of the mushroom slices. Next, the slices were irradiated at 1 kGy using a 1.35‐MeV e‐beam accelerator. Physicochemical, sensory, and microbial quality of mushrooms was monitored for 15 d at 4 °C. The best impregnation process in this study was 2 g/100 g ascorbic acid and 1 g/100 g calcium lactate at 50 mm Hg for 5 min and an atmospheric restoration time of 5 min. The control (untreated) samples suffered structural losses throughout storage. Only the vacuum impregnated‐irradiated samples had acceptable color by the end of storage. Sensory panelists consistently preferred the samples produced with VI and irradiation because exposure to ionizing radiation inhibited growth of spoilage microorganisms.     

Effect of cassava starch coating on quality and shelf life of fresh-cut pineapple (Ananas comosus L. Merril cv "Pérola")

This research studied the influence of treatment with ascorbic acid, citric acid, and calcium lactate dipping and cassava starch edible coatings on quality parameters and shelf life of fresh-cut pineapple in slices during 12 d at 5 °C. After previous tests, the treatments selected for this study were samples dipped into antibrowning solution with 0.5% of ascorbic acid and 1% of citric acid, with and without 2% of calcium lactate and coated with 2% of cassava starch suspensions. Changes in weight loss, juice leakage, mechanical properties (stress at failure), color parameters (L* and H*), ascorbic acid content, sensory acceptance, and microbial growth of fruits were evaluated. Samples only treated with antibrowning agents were used as control. Edible coatings with and without calcium lactate were efficient in reducing weight loss, juice leakage, and maintaining firmness during storage. However, these samples showed more browning and the ascorbic acid content was reduced. All treatments presented good sensory acceptance (scores above 6). The determining factor of shelf life of pineapple slices was the microbial spoilage. A shelf life of 8 d was obtained for pineapple slices only treated with antibrowning agents. On the other hand, coated samples showed a reduced shelf life of 7 d and higher yeast and mold growth. Thus, although cassava starch coatings were efficient in reducing respiration rate, weight loss, and juice leakage and maintained mechanical properties, these treatments were not able to increase the shelf life of minimally processed pineapple. Practical Application: Pineapple fruit is highly appreciated for its aroma, flavor, and juiciness, but its immediate consumption is difficult. Therefore, pineapple is a potential fruit for minimal processing. However, shelf life of fresh-cut pineapple is very limited by changes in color, texture, appearance, off-flavors, and microbial growth. The use of edible coatings as gas and water vapor barrier and antibrowning agents can extend the storage time and maintain the quality of fresh-cut produce. Cassava starch and alginate coatings are alternative to preserve minimally processed pineapples without changing the quality parameters of fresh fruit. Thus, this study is useful for consumers and fresh-cut industry interested in knowing factors affecting shelf life and quality of fresh-cut pineapple.     

Comparison of calcium lactate with chlorine as a washing treatment for fresh‐cut lettuce and carrots: quality and nutritional parameters

The efficacies of calcium lactate and chlorine washing treatments of fresh‐cut lettuce and carrots were compared during storage at 4 °C over 10 days. The gas composition of packages, colour, enzyme activity, texture, sensory attributes, microflora and levels of ascorbic acid and carotenoids were evaluated at 1, 3, 7 and 10 days. Calcium lactate treatment was not significantly different to chlorine treatment (p < 0.05) in terms of maintaining colour, texture and acceptability of fresh‐cut lettuce and carrots during the entire storage period. The washing treatments did not affect levels of ascorbic acid of fresh‐cut lettuce or carrots. Carotenoid levels were higher in calcium lactate‐treated carrots than chlorine‐treated samples at the end of storage. Mesophilic, psychrotrophic and lactic acid bacteria counts were not significantly different between treatments for both vegetables. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry     

Nutritional, Sensory, and Physicochemical Properties of Vitamin E- and Mineral-fortified Fresh-cut Apples by Use of Vacuum Impregnation

ABSTRACT: This study evaluated fresh-cut apples (Fuji) fortified with vitamin E and minerals by use of the vacuum impregnation (VI) technique. A 20% diluted high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) or 1% calcium caseinate (CC) aqueous solution were used as VI solutions, and 0.4% a-tocopherol acetate, 7.5% Gluconal Cal° (GC), and 0.04% zinc lactate (ZL) were incorporated into the VI solutions for the purpose of nutritional fortification. For VI treatment, fresh-cut apples were immersed in VI solutions subjected to vacuum at 100 mm Hg for 15 min following atmospheric restoration for 30 min. Apples were packed in the polyvinyl chloride (PVC) hinged clear containers and stored at 2 °C and 88% RH up to 3 wk. Nutritional contents, consumer sensory acceptability, microbial population, color, and firmness of the apples were evaluated during cold storage. In 100 g of fresh-cut apples, vitamin E content increased more than 100 times, and calcium and zinc contents increased about 20 times compared with unfortified apples. Consumer sensory study demonstrated that HFCS-treated apples were highly accepted by consumers in respect to overall liking, color, and texture quality. Bacterial growth was concurrently detected in all apples, but the total plate accounts were under 2.6 log colony-forming units (CFU)/ g apple at the end of 7 d of storage, significantly lower than the industrial standard. Instrumental analysis indicated that VI treatment in both HFCS and CC solutions significantly decreased color change and retained the firmness of fresh-cut apples during 3 wk of cold storage.     

The effect of incorporating calcium lactate in the saline solution on improving the shelf life of Fiordilatte cheese

The effect of calcium lactate (CL) on both the sensory and microbiological quality of Fiordilatte cheese was evaluated. The novelty of this work is the addition of the salt to the product brine, prior to packaging, instead of adding calcium during process. Cheese quality was monitored for 8 days by evaluating the spoilage and the development of the main sensory attributes. Results demonstrated a modest inhibition effect of CL on the microbial proliferation, whereas from a sensory point of view, a somewhat improvement in the odour and texture was recorded, thus suggesting CL as a valid alternative to calcium chloride.     

Optimization of Vacuum Impregnation with Calcium Lactate of Minimally Processed Melon and Shelf‐Life Study in Real Storage Conditions

Vacuum impregnation (VI) is a processing operation that permits the impregnation of fruit and vegetable porous tissues with a fast and more homogeneous penetration of active compounds compared to the classical diffusion processes. The objective of this research was to investigate the impact on VI treatment with the addition of calcium lactate on qualitative parameters of minimally processed melon during storage. For this aim, this work was divided in 2 parts. Initially, the optimization of process parameters was carried out in order to choose the optimal VI conditions for improving texture characteristics of minimally processed melon that were then used to impregnate melons for a shelf‐life study in real storage conditions. On the basis of a 2³ factorial design, the effect of Calcium lactate (CaLac) concentration between 0% and 5% and of minimum pressure (P) between 20 and 60 MPa were evaluated on color and texture. Processing parameters corresponding to 5% CaLac concentration and 60 MPa of minimum pressure were chosen for the storage study, during which the modifications of main qualitative parameters were evaluated. Despite of the high variability of the raw material, results showed that VI allowed a better maintenance of texture during storage. Nevertheless, other quality traits were negatively affected by the application of vacuum. Impregnated products showed a darker and more translucent appearance on the account of the alteration of the structural properties. Moreover microbial shelf‐life was reduced to 4 d compared to the 7 obtained for control and dipped samples.     

Modelling of mass transfer and texture evaluation during osmotic dehydration of melon under vacuum

The influence of vacuum time and solution concentration on mass transfer and mechanical properties of osmodehydrated melon cubes has been studied. Pulsed vacuum osmotic dehydration (PVOD) was carried out at 30 °C for 4 h, using sucrose solutions (40, 50 or 60°Brix) and applying a vacuum pulse (100 mbar for 5, 10 or 15 min). Kinetics of water loss, solid gain and stress at rupture were analysed, as well as effective diffusivities using the hydrodynamic model. The increase in solution concentration favoured water removal, but no significant effect of vacuum time was observed. The use of less concentrated solutions coupled to the action of vacuum pulse resulted in greater solid uptake. Samples subjected to PVOD using 60°Brix sucrose solution presented greater water loss, lower sugar uptake and better maintenance of fresh fruit texture throughout the process. Diffusion coefficients estimated by the hydrodynamic model showed a good fit to the experimental data.     

Beneficial effects of polyethylene packages containing micrometer-sized silver particles on the quality and shelf life of dried barberry (Berberis vulgaris)

In this research, the effects of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) packages containing micrometer-sized silver particles (LDPE-Ag) on microbial and sensory factors of dried barberry were investigated in comparison with the pure LDPE packages. LDPE-Ag packages with 1% and 2% concentrations of silver particles statistically caused a decrease in the microbial growth of barberry, especially in the case of mold and total bacteria count, compared with the pure LDPE packages. The taste, aroma, appearance, and total acceptance were evaluated by trained panelists using the 9-point hedonic scale. This test showed improvement of all these factors in the samples related to packages containing 1% and 2% concentrations of silver particles in comparison with other samples. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Low-density polyethylene package containing micrometer-sized silver particles had beneficial effects on the sensory and microbial quality of barberry when compared with normal packing material.     

Calcium lactate washing treatments for salad-cut Iceberg lettuce: Effect of temperature and concentration on quality retention parameters

Salad-cut lettuce was washed in calcium lactate solution at different concentrations (0.5%, 1.5% and 3%) and temperatures (4, 25 and 50 °C) for a period of 1 min. The treated salad-cut lettuce was packaged and stored at 4 °C for 10 days. Markers of quality retention: colour, texture, browning, texture related enzymes and sensory properties, were analysed during storage. The use of high temperatures (50 °C) showed a positive effect on enzymes related to quality maintenance. It reduced the activity of the browning-related enzymes polyphenol oxidase and peroxidase but it increased the activity of pectin methyl esterase, an enzyme involved in the maintenance of texture. High calcium lactate concentrations (3%) produced a reduction in the respiration rate of the salad-cut lettuce during storage, but also a loss of luminosity and greenness (a*). The use of high temperatures and intermediate calcium lactate concentrations (1.5%) proved to be the best washing treatment to maintain the quality of salad-cut lettuce over 10 days storage. These conditions (50 °C and 1.5% calcium lactate) gave higher freshness scores and lower browning scores than conventional chlorine treatment when evaluated by a sensory panel.     

Effects of Modified Atmosphere Packaging on the Physicochemical Characteristics of Ciku ( Achras sapotaL) at Various Storage Temperatures

The physicochemical changes in ciku during storage at various temperatures and the effect of various techniques of modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) at 5, 10, 15°C and ambient were examined by monitoring fruit texture, weight loss, soluble solids content, pH, sucrose, fructose, glucose, pectin, tannin, ascorbic acid and microbial infection. Under MAP, ciku could be stored for 4 weeks at 10°C and 3 weeks at 15°C, while without MAP the storage life was shorter by 1 week. Packaging in low-density polyethylene film (LDPE) was highly effective in maintaining the texture and weight of cold-stored fruits. Fruits stored at 5°C experienced chilling injury, observed as their inability to ripen properly, even after 3 days at room temperature in the presence of 50 g kg⁻¹ calcium carbide. The ascorbic acid content was highest in vacuum-packed fruits followed by the other LDPE packagings. LDPE packaged fruits also received the highest sensory scores for taste, colour, texture and overall acceptability in cold-stored ciku. The unsealed nature and heating involved in shrink wrapping did not favourably affect the storage life of ciku. MAP alleviated the chilling injury which occurred in ciku stored at 10°C but not at 5°C.     

乳酸钙部分替代氯化钠对西式盐水火腿感官品质的影响

在西式盐水火腿加工中应用乳酸钙部分替代氯化钠,在氯化钠使用总量2%的前提下,按照氯化钠质量的5%、10%、15%、20%设计乳酸钙的替代比,单因素实验观察不同替代比对切片西式盐水火腿色差、质构、水分含量和感官指标的影响。结果发现,适量使用乳酸钙可以显著提高西式盐水火腿的亮度L*值、红度a*值、黄度b*值和硬度;但是当替代比过大时对产品的弹性、内聚性、胶着性、咀嚼性有一定负面影响;适当的使用乳酸钙替代氯化钠对产品感官品质有积极影响,适宜的替代比为10%左右。     

Effect of Tapioca Starch/Decolorized Hsian-tsao Leaf Gum-Based Active Coatings on the Qualities of Fresh-Cut Apples

The effect of tapioca starch/decolorized hsian-tsao leaf gum (dHG)-based edible coatings with various food additives (including ascorbic acid, calcium chloride, and cinnamon oil) on the qualities and shelf life of fresh-cut “Fuji” apple pieces was investigated during the refrigerated storage. The initial respiration rate, headspace gas composition, color, texture, microbial quality, peroxidase activity, and sensory qualities were analyzed. The results were also compared to those for samples submerged in distilled water and the samples treated with 120-ppm chlorine solution widely used in the industry. It was found that ascorbic acid and cinnamon oil delayed the browning of fresh-cut apples effectively when being applied in the starch/dHG-based edible coating solutions. In combination with calcium chloride, starch/dHG coated fresh-cut apples retained satisfactory firmness. Incorporation of cinnamon oil in starch/dHG coatings significantly reduced the growth of microorganisms, respiration rate, CO₂, and ethylene production of fresh-cut apples, but these apple pieces received lower scores in overall preference during sensory evaluation. Among the starch/dHG-based active coatings studied, starch/dHG coatings with ascorbic acid and calcium chloride are suggested for fresh-cut apples, as they could enhance qualities in terms of color and firmness, and prolong the shelf life up to 5–7 days by providing reasonable microbial quality.