Surface treatments and coatings to maintain fresh‐cut mango quality in storage

BACKGROUND: Edible coatings may extend fresh‐cut fruit storage by preventing moisture loss and decreasing gas exchange. This study evaluated the effect of an antibrowning dip (calcium ascorbate, citric acid and N‐acetyl‐L ‐cysteine), followed or not with carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) or carrageenan coatings on quality of fresh‐cut mangoes stored at 5 °C for up to 20 days. A fourth treatment, only used in one of four experiments, consisted of chitosan. Treatments were applied on ‘Tommy Atkins’, ‘Kent’ and ‘Keitt’ mangoes harvested from Homestead (FL), and on imported store‐bought mangoes. RESULTS: The antibrowning dips maintained the best visual quality during storage for all cultivars, as indicated by higher b*, hue and L*. The CMC coating maintained similar visual quality, but carrageenan or chitosan decreased L* and b*. The antibrowning dip containing calcium ascorbate reduced firmness loss on cut pieces of ‘Keitt’, ‘Kent’ and store‐bought mangoes. The antibrowning treatment maintained higher titratable acidity for ‘Kent’ and ‘Keitt’, resulting in lower sensory sweetness. CONCLUSION: This study with repeated experiments showed that calcium ascorbate with citric acid and N‐acetyl‐L ‐cysteine maintained cut mango slices attractiveness in storage by keeping light color in both varieties. The addition of a polysaccharide coating did not consistently improve quality. Published in 2010 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Suitability for minimal processing of non‐melting clingstone peaches

Clingstone non‐melting peach cultivars (Prunus persica L. Batsch) are used primarily for canning, but their processing as fresh‐cut products is also of interest. Four clingstone peach cultivars (‘Andross’, ‘Babygold 8′, ‘Calante’ and ‘Romea’) were evaluated for their suitability for minimal processing (washing, peeling and slicing) followed by storage for 9 days at 4 °C in a modified atmosphere using microperforated films. Romea cultivar, which has low polyphenol oxidase (PPO) enzymatic activity, proved to be the most suitable cultivar for minimal processing, given its lower degree of browning as well as the results from a sensory evaluation. Maturity indicators varied slightly during storage at a different degree depending on cultivars. We have found that PPO activity and browning potential are adequate indicators for surface browning in fresh‐cut non‐melting peaches.     

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     

Mango film coated for fresh‐cut mango in modified atmosphere packaging

Mango puree is known to have good oxygen barrier properties. Therefore, mango film on its own might be useful to extend the shelf life of fresh‐cut mango. In this study, fresh‐cut mango was wrapped with mango film and packed in modified atmosphere packaging (MAP). Each package was stored at 30 °C or 5 °C and sensory evaluation was performed to determine its quality and shelf life. The shelf life of uncoated and coated fresh‐cut mango pieces was 6 days for each at 5 °C and was 3 and 4 days, respectively, at 30 °C. The sensory evaluation indicated that coated fresh‐cut mango was slower to produce an off‐flavour and maintained better visual quality than uncoated mango at 30 °C. Nonetheless, coated fresh‐cut mango was softer than uncoated mango because of the hydrophilic nature of the mango film. No significant difference in the oxygen and carbon dioxide concentrations was observed between coated and uncoated fresh‐cut mango. Coating fresh‐cut mango with mango film showed a similar effect to MAP in prolonging the shelf life of the fresh produce. The use of the coating will enhance fruit quality and lead to better acceptance by consumers.     

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.     

Effects of Ultraviolet Light (UV‐C) and Heat Treatment on the Quality of Fresh‐Cut Chokanan Mango and Josephine Pineapple

The effects of ultraviolet (UV‐C) and medium heat (70 °C) treatments on the quality of fresh‐cut Chokanan mango and Josephine pineapple were investigated. Quality attributes included physicochemical properties (pH, titratable acidity, and total soluble solids), ascorbic acid content (vitamin C), antioxidant activity, as well as microbial inactivation. Consumers’ acceptance was also investigated through sensory evaluation of the attributes (appearance, texture, aroma and taste). Furthermore, shelf‐life study of samples stored at 4 ± 1 °C was conducted for 15 d. The fresh‐cut fruits were exposed to UV‐C for 0, 15, 30, and 60 min while heat treatments were carried out at 70 °C for 0, 5, 10 and 20 min. Both UV‐C and medium heat treatments resulted in no significant changes to the physicochemical attributes of both fruits. The ascorbic acid content of UV‐C treated fruits was unaffected; however, medium heat treatment resulted in deterioration of ascorbic acids in both fruits. The antioxidants were enhanced with UV‐C treatment which could prove invaluable to consumers. Heat treatments on the other hand resulted in decreased antioxidant activities. Microbial count in both fruits was significantly reduced by both treatments. The shelf life of the fresh‐cut fruits were also successfully extended to a maximum of 15 d following treatments. As for consumers’ acceptance, UV‐C treated fruits were the most accepted as compared to their heat‐treated counterparts. The results obtained through this study support the use of UV‐C treatment for better retention of quality, effective microbial inactivation and enhancement of health promoting compounds for the benefit of consumers.     

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.     

Combined Application of Antibrowning,Heat Treatment and Modified‐Atmosphere Packaging to Extend the Shelf Life of Fresh‐Cut Lotus Root

This work aimed to determine the effects of different concentrations of antibrowning treatments (that is, distilled water [DW], 1% ascorbic acid [AA], 0.5% chamomile [CM], and 1% AA + 0.5% CM) and heat‐treatment (55 °C for 45 s) combined with packaging under 4 different modified‐atmosphere gas compositions (that is, air, vacuum, 100% CO₂, 50% CO₂/50% N₂) on the quality and microbiological characteristics of fresh‐cut lotus root. The quality characteristics (that is, color, weight loss, texture, pH, polyphenoloxidase activity, and total phenolic content) of the AA + CM‐dipped sample in 100% CO₂ packaging were maintained significantly better than those of the other samples (P < 0.05). The microbiological counts observed in the DW‐dipped sample during storage were higher than those of the AA, CM, and AA + CM samples, and heat‐treatment retarded the microbiological deterioration of fresh‐cut lotus root. Therefore, the results revealed that dipping in an antibrowning treatment (AA + CM), and 100% CO₂ MAP with heat treatment effectively extend the shelf life of fresh‐cut lotus root to 21 d at 5 °C.     

MODELING OF PREHEAT TREATMENT OPTIMIZATION APPLIED TO FRESH‐CUT “ROCHA” PEAR

ABSTRACT

Response surface methodology based on a five‐level, three‐variable central composite rotatable design was used for modeling the effects of preheat treatments on fresh‐cut “Rocha” pear quality. Studied variables were time (t: 0–150 min), temperature (T: 20–50C) and posttreatment storage time (St: 0–20 days, 5C). The quality‐affecting parameters including color, firmness, pH, soluble solid content, and total ascorbic acid content were the monitored dependent variables. Results provide reasonable estimation of the impact of preheat treatments on the quality of fresh‐cut “Rocha” pear and its shelf life. The time–temperature range of 33–41C during less than 20 min was selected as the conditions that best provided surface browning control, without impairing other studied quality parameters, with an estimated 8‐day shelf life period. The achieved kinetic changes of polyphenoloxidase, partial reduction in enzyme activity (ca. 23%) and depletion of phenolic content (ca. 11%) could be responsible for the browning control.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Minimal processing, namely cutting operations, triggers physiological reactions which limit fresh‐cut Rocha pear shelf life. Superficial browning is one of the major concerns to this industry, and new “clean” methodologies aiming at the inhibition of such reaction and maximization of the product shelf life will benefit not only from product marketability but also will respond to the consumers' demand of “chemical free” products. Heat treatments have been used to improve fresh‐cut commodities' browning resistance. The present work evaluated the use of preheat treatments against this physiological disorder during storage. Results will provide an optimized preheat treatment that grants high‐quality fresh‐cut Rocha pear with suitable shelf life.

     

Screening quality and browning susceptibility of five artichoke cultivars for fresh‐cut processing

BACKGROUND: Artichoke is a rich source of bioactive compounds, mainly phenols, in the Mediterranean diet, but its consumption is limited by the complexity of time‐consuming trimming operations. Fresh‐cut processing would therefore add convenience to its consumption, even though the severity of post‐cutting browning of artichoke pieces is still a major problem. Since susceptibility to browning may vary widely among genotypes, the choice of the cultivar is a very critical step in the fresh‐cut process. In this study, five different Italian cultivars (C3, Catanese, Tema, Violetto Foggiano and Violetto Sardo) were screened for their initial quality and composition, and their post‐cutting performance during storage at 5 °C and 20 °C. RESULTS: C3 showed the highest phenol content (3.4 g GA kg^?1) and antioxidant activity (24.5 mmol L^?1 kg^?1), but the worst quality in terms of appearance and colour changes, also due to its high PPO activity (62.2 U g^?1). Catanese showed the highest vitamin C content (117.7 mg kg^?1), the lowest phenol content (1.8 g GA kg^?1), and the best post‐cutting quality. Tema, Violetto Foggiano and Violetto Sardo showed an intermediate phenol content, the latter showing the lowest appearance score after C3. CONCLUSION: These results confirmed the role of phenols in browning processes of fresh‐cut artichokes, giving the first available information on artichoke cultivar suitability to be processed as a fresh‐cut product. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry     

Quality aspects of fresh‐cut ‘long‐storage tomato’ as affected by package,calcium chloride and storage time

In this research, some quality changes during storage at 4 °C were assessed in fresh‐cut fruits of a ‘long‐storage tomato’ landrace, packaged in biocompostable materials (PLA Ingeo tray/NatureFlex? film) or in conventional plastics (PET tray + polypropylene film). The effects of dipping in CaCl₂ on the shelf‐life extension were also assessed. Plants were cultivated both off‐season (greenhouse) and in‐season (open field). CO₂ and O₂ concentration, fruit weight loss, firmness, colour, microbial load were measured at 0, 4, 7, 12 days of storage. Headspace gas changes and fruit weight loss were minimised in conventional package. BIO package prevented water condensation, led to max 5% weight loss and made fruits less susceptible to spoilage. Dipping in CaCl₂ induced better firmness, especially in biopackage. Off‐season fruits had overall lower quality than in‐season fruits; however, these may contribute to extend the production season, with interesting marketing implications for the agri‐food industry.     

Effect of nano‐ZnO‐coated active packaging on quality of fresh‐cut ‘Fuji’ apple

A novel nanopackaging was synthesised by coating polyvinyl chloride (PVC) film with nano‐ZnO powder, and its effects on the preservation quality of fresh‐cut ‘Fuji’ apple were investigated at 4 °C for 12 days. Compared with the control (PVC film), nanopackaging significantly reduced the fruit decay rate (P < 0.05), as well as decreased the accumulation of malondialdehyde (MDA) from 74.9 nmol g^?1 in the control to 53.9 nmol g^?1 in the nanopackaging. Cutting caused an increase in ethylene level, suggesting wound‐induced ethylene production, which was suppressed in nanopackaging. Both the polyphenoloxidase and pyrogallol peroxidase activities were decreased in nanopackaging fruit. The initial appearance of apple slices was retained, and the browning index was prevented in nanopackaging samples, which was only 23.9, much lower than the control of 31.7 on day 12. These results indicated that nano‐ZnO active packaging could be a viable alternative to common technologies for improving the shelf‐life properties of ‘Fuji’ apples as a fresh‐cut product.     

Antioxidant properties and shelf‐life extension of fresh‐cut tomatoes stored at different temperatures

BACKGROUND: The feasibility of using modified atmosphere packaging (5 kPa O₂ + 5 kPa CO₂) to maintain the antioxidant properties of fresh‐cut tomatoes during shelf‐life was assessed through storage at different temperatures (5, 10, 15 and 20 °C). Health‐related compounds, antioxidant capacity, microbiological counts, physicochemical parameters and in‐package atmosphere of tomato slices were determined. RESULTS: Initial lycopene, vitamin C and phenolic contents and physicochemical parameters of tomato slices were well maintained for 14 days at 5 °C. Lycopene and total phenolic contents were enhanced over time in tomato slices stored at 15 and 20 °C. However, this increase in antioxidant compounds of fresh‐cut tomatoes during storage may be associated with excessive amounts of CO₂ (R² = 0.5679–0.7328) in the packages due to microbial growth. Although keeping tomato slices at temperatures above 10 °C increased their antioxidant content, the shelf‐life of the product was reduced by up 4 days. CONCLUSIONS: A storage temperature of 5 °C is appropriate for maintaining the microbiological shelf‐life of fresh‐cut tomatoes for up to 14 days and also allows the antioxidant properties of tomato slices to be retained over this period, thus reducing wounding stress and deteriorative changes. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry     

Antioxidative enzyme activity and internal browning of 1‐methylcyclopropene‐treated European pear fruits (cv. ‘Shahmiveh’ and ‘Sebri’)

The effects of 1‐methylcyclopropene (1‐MCP) on antioxidative enzyme and internal browning (IB) incidence of two European pear cultivars ‘Shahmiveh’ and ‘Sebri’ stored at 0.5 °C were investigated. Ethylene production of ‘Sebri’ was delayed by 1‐MCP but suppressed in ‘Shahmiveh’. IB increased in both cultivars, with a higher level of the incidence in ‘Shahmiveh’, and was reduced by 1‐MCP. Activities of catalase (CAT) and peroxidase, but not superoxide dismutase (SOD), decreased in untreated fruit during the first 40 days. 1‐MCP had little effect on SOD activity or on total phenolics. Polyphenoloxidase activity did not increase over time in 1‐MCP‐treated fruit of the IB sensitive ‘Shahmiveh’, and the effect was inconsistent for ‘Sebri’. Ascorbic acid (AA) levels in 1‐MCP‐treated fruit of both cultivars declined at a lower rate compared with untreated fruit during storage, but the reduction in AA levels was faster in ‘Shahmiveh’ compared with ‘Sebri’. Also, the effects of 1‐MCP on antioxidative systems may be related to IB development.     

Growth Potential of Listeria Monocytogenes and Staphylococcus Aureus on Fresh‐Cut Tropical Fruits

The objective of this study was to evaluate the fate of Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes, and natural microbiota on fresh‐cut tropical fruits (pitaya, mango, papaya and pineapple) with commercial PVC film at different storage temperature (5, 13, and 25 °C). The results showed that S. aureus, L. monocytogenes, and natural microbiota increased significantly on fresh‐cut tropical fruits at 25 °C. Both pathogen and natural microbiota were able to grow on fresh‐cut tropical fruits at 13 °C. The maximum population of L. monocytogenes was higher than that of S. aureus on fresh‐cut tropical fruits. L. monocytogenes and S. aureus could survive without growth on fresh‐cut pitaya, mango, and papaya at 5 °C. The population of L. monocytogenes declined significantly on fresh‐cut pineapple at all temperature, indicating composition of fresh‐cut pineapple could inhibit growth of L. monocytogenes. However, S. aureus was still able to grow on fresh‐cut pineapple at storage temperature. Thus, this study suggests that 4 kinds of fresh‐cut tropical fruits (pitaya, mango, papaya, and pineapple) should be stored at low temperature to extend shelf life as well as to ensure the safety of fresh‐cut fruits.     

Quality Index, Consumer Acceptability, Bioactive Compounds, and Antioxidant Activity of Fresh-Cut "Ataulfo" Mangoes (Mangifera Indica L.) as Affected by Low-Temperature Storage

ABSTRACT:  To measure bioactive compound losses due to minimal processing, mature green fresh-cut mangoes ( Mangifera indica L.) cv. "Ataulfo" were subjected to an antioxidant treatment and stored at 5 °C during 15 d. Quality index, total phenols, flavonoids, β-carotene, ascorbic acid, vitamin E, and antioxidant activity were measured during the storage period of fruits. Antioxidant capacity was estimated using ORAC_FL, TEAC, and DPPH assays. The dipping treatments with ascorbic acid (AA) + citric acid (CA) + CaCl₂ affected positively quality delaying deterioration of fresh-cut mango as compared with whole fruit. However, dipping treatment affected the consumer preferences of fresh-cut mangoes. The highest vitamin C, β-carotene, and vitamin E losses were observed after 10 d, being similar in whole and fresh-cut mangoes. The antioxidant activity was not significantly affected by storage time. We conclude that fresh-cut mangoes retained their bioactive compound content during storage and their antioxidant and nutritional properties make them a good source of these compounds.     

Total Phenolics,Carotenoids, Ascorbic Acid,and Antioxidant Properties of Fresh‐cut Mango (Mangifera indica L., cv. Tommy Atkin) as Affected by Infrared Heat Treatment

Abstract: Mango (Mangifera indica L.) is a major tropical fruit that has not been exploited for fresh‐cut or minimally processed products on a scale similar to apples, pineapples, or melons. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of infrared (IR) treatment on total phenolics, carotenoids, ascorbic acid, and antioxidant properties of fresh‐cut cubes from ‘Tommy Atkin’ mangoes. Mango cubes were IR treated (5, 10, 15 min) and evaluated at 4‐d intervals during 16‐d storage at 4 ± 1 °C. Total phenolics, carotenoids, and ascorbic acid content in fresh‐cut control mango cubes were 43.33, 1.37, and 15.97 mg/100 g FW, respectively. IR treatments increased total phenolics (59.23 to 71.16 mg/100 g FW) and decreased ascorbic acid (12.14 to 15.38 mg/100 g, FW). Total carotenoids showed a mixed trend (1.13 to 1.66 mg/100 g, FW). The IR treatment showed a significant positive impact on antioxidant properties (μM TE/100 g, FW) of mango cubes, as assayed by ABTS (261.5 compared with 338.0 to 416.4), DPPH (270.5 compared with 289.4 to 360.5), and ORAC (6686 compared with 8450 to 12230). Total phenolics, carotenoids, ascorbic acid, and antioxidant capacity decreased over 16‐d storage. However, IR treated samples had consistently higher ABTS, DPPH, and total phenolics during storage. It was demonstrated that IR treatment can be effectively used in improving antioxidant properties of fresh‐cut mangoes with minimal effect on the visual appearance. Practical Application: Various methods/treatments are in use for extending the quality of fresh‐cut fruits, including mild heat treatment. This study explored the application of infrared (IR) heat for processing fresh‐cut mango cubes and evaluated its effect on vitamin C and antioxidant capacity during 16‐d storage. This is the first study reporting on the use of IR heat in fresh‐cut fruits. IR treatment was shown to be effective in retaining antioxidant properties of fresh‐cut mango cubes with minimal effect on the visual appearance.     

The effect of high pressure processing on nutritional value and quality attributes of Cucumis melo L.

To determine the effect of cultivar on high pressure processing (HPP) performance three commercial melon varieties were assessed before and after HPP for vitamin C and β-carotene by HPLC and for ferric ion reducing capacity (FIRC) using the Ferric Reducing Ability of Plasma (FRAP) assay. Total titrable acids (TTA), °Brix and colour were also recorded for fresh,−HPP (material cut and packaged) and +HPP samples (material cut, packaged and subject to HPP). The HP process was non-thermal so as to determine the effect of pressure alone on these phytochemicals. There were significant differences between cultivars in vitamin C, β-carotene, TTA, °Brix and colour parameters in fresh samples prior to HPP. HPP did not have an effect on TTA or °Brix, but colour was adversely affected. FIRC and vitamin C concentrations were decreased by HPP and these losses were cultivar dependent for vitamin C. Levels of β-carotene were significantly increased. Cultivar was identified as an important parameter in raw material selection for HPP and retention of vitamin C as a good measure of both quality and cultivar suitability.Industrial relevanceThere is an increasing consumer demand for fresh, natural and healthy fruit and vegetable products with an extended shelf life. This demand is driving industry to look at alternative preservation technologies. HPP has the potential to deliver safe, preserved fruit and vegetables through enzyme inactivation of microbe destruction. HPP removes the need for additives or preservatives and the process is therefore viewed as closer to “natural” by consumers. We show that HPP results in minimal loss of sensorial properties and health-promoting phytochemicals; thus providing consumers a high quality, healthy product with extended shelf life. The introduction of non-thermal processing techniques has the potential to move the focus of the Australian food processing industry from safety to the dual aims of safety and health, resulting in an increase of health-promoting phytochemicals in highly consumed processed foods.     

Methyl jasmonate reduces chilling injury symptoms and enhances colour development of ‘Kent’ mangoes

Treatment of mango (Mangifera indica cv ‘Kent’) fruits with methyl jasmonate (MJ) vapour for 20 h at 20 °C reduced chilling injury (CI) symptoms and enhanced skin colour development. MJ at 10^?4 M was the most effective concentration for reducing CI and decay in fruits stored at 5 °C followed by 7 days at 20 °C (shelf‐life period). The use of 10^?5 M MJ enhanced yellow and red colour development of mangoes stored at 20 °C. These fruits possessed higher L*, a* and b* values than untreated fruits and those treated with 10^?4 M MJ. Ripening processes were inhibited by cold storage (5 °C) in control fruits. After cold storage and shelf‐life period, fruits treated with 10^?5 M MJ ripened normally and contained the highest total soluble solids (TSS). These fruits also maintained higher sugar and organic acid levels than fruits subjected to other treatments. We concluded that MJ treatment could be used to reduce decay and CI symptoms and also to improve colour development of mango fruits without adversely affecting quality. © 2001 Society of Chemical Industry     

Changes in selected quality characteristics of minimally processed carambola (Averrhoa carambola L.) when treated with ascorbic acid

‘B 10’ carambola of ripening stage (RS) 3 and 4 were minimally processed (MP) and then dipped in 0, 15 and 30 mg L^?1 ascorbic acid (AA). The 1‐cm‐thick slices were then dried, packed into cling‐wrapped‐foam tray and stored at 7 °C for 0, 3 and 5 days. Skin colour (L*, C* and h°), flesh firmness, soluble solids concentration, vitamin C content, titratable acidity, pH, degree of browning, polyphenoloxidase (PPO) activity and sensory attributes of MP carambola treated with AA were determined. AA treatment had significant effect in decreasing cut surface browning degree but no significant effect on all the selected quality characteristics of the MP carambola. In the sensory evaluation, flesh colour, sweetness, flavour and overall taste were significantly affected by AA treatment especially at 15 mg L^?1. The RS of fruit significantly affected skin colour (C* and h°), pH and sensory attributes of colour and flavour of the MP carambola. As storage day (SD) progressed, skin colour (C* and h°), flesh firmness and vitamin C content, cut surface browning, PPO activity and all the sensory attributes of MP carambola decreased significantly. Flesh firmness of the MP carambola was affected by the interaction between AA × SD. Sensory attributes of MP carambola were affected significantly by AA × RS. All the sensory attributes of MP carambola positively correlated to each other but negatively correlated with browning degree. PPO activity positively correlated with browning degree. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry