EFFECT OF RELATIVE HUMIDITY, TEMPERATURE AND LENGTH OF STORAGE ON DECAY AND QUALITY OF POTATOES AND ONIONS

Long term storage tests at 0–10°C indicated that for potatoes the optimum relative humidity was 98–100%, whereas for onions a lower humidity was required. For potatoes, the high relative humidity minimized moisture loss, generally reduced decay and maintained firmness and a thin skin. While onions stored at 98–100% RH were firmer and juicier than those held at 75–95% RH, decay was generally greater and the surface layers were not as light and crisp. Sample size (from 1 bu to 11/2 tons) did not affect results. With the larger samples, a study of temperature, relative humidity and air movement in the stored produce was also made.     

Effect of Storage Time and Conditions on the Hardness and Cooking Quality of Adzuki (Vigna angularis)

A storage trial of two varieties of adzuki (Vigna angularis), Bloodwood and Erimo, produced in Australia, was conducted to determine the effect of various combinations of temperature, humidity and length of storage on bean quality. The beans were stored for up to 6 mo under the following conditions: temperature (10, 20 and 30 °C), relative humidity (RH) (40 and 65%). Storage of adzuki at elevated temperature (30 °C) and low relative humidity (40%) resulted in the greatest loss of bean moisture, increase in hydration times and decrease in bean cooking quality, i.e. increased hardness of cooked beans. The best storage conditions for the preservation of adzuki quality were 10 °C and 65% RH.     

Statistical and Kinetic Studies of the Changes in Soybean Quality during Storage as Related to Soymilk and Tofu Making

ABSTRACT:  The objective of this study was to develop statistical equations and kinetic models to describe the changes of soybean quality during storage. Significant correlations ( P  < 0.0001) were found among most of quality attributes including color parameters (Hunter L , a , b , and Δ E ), solid extractability (as expressed by soymilk solids content), soymilk pH and protein content, tofu yield, hardness, and protein content. Regressed linear equations were developed between color indices ( L/L ₀, ΔE ) and soymilk/tofu making properties. Empirical equations were developed to relate soybean color indices ( L/L ₀, ΔE ) and storage conditions including variables of initial moisture content (MC), relative humidity (RH), temperature ( T ), and duration ( t ). Kinetics of the changes in soybean color and extractability during storage at 70% RH and 22 to 40 °C were investigated. The kinetics was well described by zero-order kinetics. The Arrhenius equation adequately described the temperature dependence of the reaction rate constants for all parameters, from which the activation energies and rate constant were obtained. The equations developed in this study provided simple methods to monitor soybean quality and predict quality changes of soybeans during storage at various conditions.     

A mean moisture content-equilibrium relative humidity relationship for nine varieties of wheat

A mean moisture content-equilibrium relative humidity relationship for nine varieties of wheat at 25°C is presented, for which the curves were fitted by eye. The mean safe storage moisture content in equilibrium with 70% relative humidity (r.h.) for all the wheat varieties adsorbing moisture was 14.7% (wet weight basis) but if varietal differences and errors in measurement are taken into account, the moisture content of stored wheat may need to be as low as 13% to be safe from attack by mites. The hysteresis between adsorption and desorption reached a maximum of 0.7% moisture content at 40–50% r.h. Hysteresis was found to be statistically significant up to 75% r.h. Equilibrium moisture contents were calculated from data transformed using the Chung and Pfost equation and compared with the measured moisture contents.     

A comparison of the functional characteristics of wheat stored as grain with wheat stored in spike form

In this study, wheat grain and wheat spike with 12%, 14% and 16% moisture content were stored at 10, 20 and 30 °C for 0, 3, 6 and 9 months. After storage, wheat samples were investigated for hectolitre weight, gluten content, Zeleny sedimentation volume, enzyme activity, acidity, phytic acid and L colour value. Storage of wheat at different storage forms (spike and grain) and storage conditions showed considerable changes in grain quality. In general, the storage period of 3 months positively affected wheat quality. However, hectolitre weight, gluten, Zeleny sedimentation, enzyme activity, acidity and colour of wheat got worse at storage periods beyond 3 months. Hectolitre weight, wet and dry gluten, Zeleny sedimentation, phytic acid content and L Colour value of wheat stored in both spike and grain form significantly decreased during storage. However, the increase in grain moisture content, storage time and temperature resulted in significant increase in total titratable acidity and falling number values of wheat. Falling Number and phytic acid values of wheat stored in spike form were generally lower than wheat stored in grain form. Storage in spike form had a positive effect on especially wet gluten content of wheat stored at non-optimal storage conditions such as high grain moisture content and high temperature. Wet gluten of wheat stored in spike form was higher than that of wheat stored grain form after storage at 30 °C for 6 and 9 months. Wheat stored in spike form is more resistant than wheat stored in grain form against adverse storage conditions such as high moisture content and temperature and longer storage time.     

Effect of fungi and fungicides on the preservation of wheat seed stored with high and low moisture content

The protective effect of the fungicides captan, chloratalonil, pentachloronitrobenzene, thiram and the commercial mixture of captan and carboxin against storage fungi, as well as the possible toxic effect on seed viability, were studied on seed of the Salamanca wheat variety. The research was conducted with wheat seed stored at 25°C with a high and low moisture content: (a) seed stored at a high relative humidity of 85%, to allow the development of fungi and (b) seed stored under dry conditions, with seed moisture contents below 13%. The germination of wheat seed, either with high or low moisture content, was slightly inhibited by the fungicide carboxin immediately following seed treatment. It appears that the fungicide temporarily promoted a slight effect of seed dormancy; however, this effect disappeared during the storage period. The fungicides chloratalonil, captan and carboxin+captan prevented the activity of the storage fungi, and protected the germination of the wheat seed stored at 85% relative humidity.     

Changes of soybean quality during storage as related to soymilk and tofu making

ABSTRACT:  Soybeans are stored and transported under various humidity and temperature conditions. Soymilk and tofu are two of the most important foods made from whole soybeans. The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of storage conditions on soybean quality as related to soymilk and tofu-making properties. Soybeans of 3 different genotypes (Proto, IA2032, and Vinton 81) were stored in varying conditions: temperature ranging from 4 to 50 °C, relative humidity from 55% to 80%, initial moisture content from 6% to14%, and storage time up to 15 mo depending upon storage conditions. The effects of different storage conditions on soybean color, solids and protein extractability, soymilk pH, tofu yield, tofu solids and protein contents, tofu color, and texture were investigated. While no significant changes occurred for the soybeans stored at 4 °C, the soybeans stored at high temperatures (30 to 50 °C) exhibited significant quality loss ( P < 0.05). The degradation of soybean lightness (Hunter L ), color difference (Δ E ), and solid extractability exhibited a linear relationship with time. Soak weight decreased at high temperature and relative humidity, but increased at mild storage conditions. Several combinations of storage conditions at temperatures exceeding 30 °C produced a drastic loss in tofu yield. Storage also affected the tofu making process by reducing optimum mixing time to produce the highest tofu yield. Varietal difference in soybean storability was observed. The results provided useful information for the soybean processing industry to store soybeans using the optimal storage conditions and to estimate soybean quality after storage.     

Salting and drying of yellowtail (Trachurus mccullochi Nichols)

Wet salting of low-fat yellowtail ( Trachurus mccullochi Nichols) using three brine solutions (15%, 21% and saturated salt) and drying of salted fish at 35°C and 50% RH, 45°C and 30% RH, or 55°C and 18% RH was carried out and assessments made of salt and moisture contents, water activity ( a_w ), and sensory properties of dried-salted fish. Brine concentration during salting and the drying conditions had a significant effect on the drying rate. Brining in saturated brine gave the most rapid rate of reduction in moisture content and the lowest final moisture content during brining, but produced a slower rate of reduction of moisture and higher final moisture content during drying. Fish brined in saturated salt and dried at 55°C was of lower sensory quality.     

STORAGE CONDITIONS AFFECT SOYBEAN COLOR, CHEMICAL COMPOSITION AND TOFU QUALITIES

Soybeans stored under four sets of conditions were analyzed for the changes in color, composition and their effects on yield and textural properties of tofu. Soybeans stored under the adverse conditions (84% relative humidity (RH), 30C) exhibited significant changes in tofu yield and textural quality as well as in color and total free sugar content with storage time. Significant correlations existed between soybean color and tofu yield within 6 months under the adverse storage conditions. Color changes may provide a rapid method for predicting soybean quality for making tofu after storage. Soybeans stored under mild (57% RH, 20C), cold (4C) and uncontrolled ambient conditions (garage) exhibited no significant changes in their color or composition except for moisture contents, and maintained good qualities for tofu making for up to 18 months.     

Equilibrium moisture content, BET monolayer moisture and crispness of extruded rice-legume snacks

Extruded Jaya rice-legume (3:1 w/w) snacks equilibrated at different relative humidities (RH; 10–86%) exhibited similar typical sorption-isotherms and equilibrium moisture contents (EMC) up to 33% RH. Acceptable crispness was lost above 43% equilibrium relative humidity (ERH) and about 110N breaking strength. The values for the BET monolayer moisture content of various products were almost identical to their initial moisture content, indicating the adequacy of the processing conditions for snacks of satisfactory shelf-life if packed immediately in moisture-impermeable packets.     

CHANGES IN QUALITY OF DEHYDRATED KIBBLED ONIONS DURING STORAGE

SUMMARY— Dehydrated kibbled onions. of the Egyptian variety, containing 4-5% moisture, were stored under different conditions and their keeping quality as influenced by storage variables determined. 3 packaging materials, namely cans, polyethylene and Saran pouches were used. Samples were stored at temperatures of 15, 25 and 35°C at 44% relative humidity for 39 wk. Temperature of storage was found to have the largest effect on product quality. The can package was found to be superior to the flexible pouches; however, Saran pouches could be used under certain conditions. Moisture content increased significantly in polyethylene pouches at all temperatures, but in Saran pouches only at 25° C Absorbance of onion extracts, as measure of browning, increased significantly with storage temperature and to a smaller extent due to packaging materials. Products in polyethylene deteriorated most, while the difference between Saran- and can-packed products was small. A similar trend in results was found in tristimulus color determinations. All products stored at 15° C and those in cans at 25°C were found to be of good organoleptic quality. The pyruvic acid development potential could not be used as a sensitive indicator for determination of product quality.     

BULK VOLUME SHRINKAGE DURING DRYING of WHEAT and CANOLA

The bulk volume shrinkage of canola and wheat were measured for the temperature range of 20–80C and relative humidity range of 15–90%. the volume decreased exponentially with time as seed moisture content was reduced. For canola, an oilseed, shrinkage and moisture reduction were linearly correlated with a shrinkage coefficient of about 1.0. For wheat, a starchy grain, the relationship was also linear but the coefficient was greater than 1.3. the shrinkage coefficients for both wheat and canola did not show a correlation with drying temperature but varied linearly with relative humidity of the drying air.     

POSTHARVEST CHANGES IN FRESH SWISS CHARD (Beta vulgaris, type cycla) UNDER DIFFERENT STORAGE CONDITIONS

The effects of storage temperature and relative humidity on the quality of Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris, type cycla) were investigated. Quality was assessed through determinations of water content, weight loss, chlorophyll content, pH, titratable acidity, soluble solids content and sensory evaluations. Storage conditions were 4 and 18C and 43, 86 and 98% relative humidities (RH). The quality of chard leaves was unacceptable after three days of storage at 18C, independent of the RH. Chard leaves kept at 4C and 86 and 98% RH remained acceptable for 9 days. The dehydration suffered by samples kept at 4C and 43% RH turned them unacceptable after 4 days of storage.     

Effects of gelatine type and concentration on the shelf-life stability and quality of marshmallows

The effects of gelatine concentration, bloom strength, and origin on the quality and shelf-life stability of marshmallows were studied. All six sample treatments were carried out under accelerated storage conditions of 25 °C and 75% relative humidity (RH) for 25 weeks. Gelatine A 150 bloom had the highest viscosity because of its highest concentration (2.54%), lowest density and greatest amount of moisture loss producing the hardest marshmallows. Hardness and water activity measurements correlate for all sample treatments indicating that moisture loss is the main mechanism for hardening. With the exception of Gelatine B 2.2%, sugar crystallisation may have occurred in all sample treatments at week 20 which would have an impact on hardness as well. Gel network formation may be contributing towards hardness in Gelatine B 2.2% as there was an increase in hardness but no changes were perceived in water activity.     

Physical,chemical and oxidative changes in raw peanuts: Effect of relative humidity

Peanuts are susceptible to oxidative deterioration due to various factors during storage. This research studied the proximate composition (lipid, protein, total sugar, moisture and ash.), composition and content of amino acids and fatty acids, peroxide value (PV), carbonyl value (CV), malondialdehyde content (MDA), protein composition and structure changes in the peanuts stored for 320 days under different relative humidity (RH; 50%, 65% and 80%) conditions. Lipid oxidation was delayed at low RH (50% and 65%) storage conditions. At high RH (80%), the contents of unsaturated fatty acids, amino acids, protein and lipids decreased significantly during storage (P < 0.05), whereas the PV, CV and MDA contents increased significantly (P < 0.05). The CV values of YH-9326 and YH-22 increased by 14.46 and 17.48 times respectively. In addition, the protein structure changed throughout the whole storage period (P < 0.05). This research provides a theoretical reference for maintaining storage quality and extending shelf life.     

膨化黑毛豆仁保藏期间的品质稳定性

采用微波联合气流膨化技术制备黑毛豆仁脆粒产品,在不同温度和相对湿度条件下保藏6个月,考察其水分含量、水分活度、VC、叶绿素、花色苷、色泽、感官质量及微生物指标的变化情况。结果表明：高温、高湿都可导致产品水分含量和水分活度的增加,VC、叶绿素和花色苷含量降低,a*值增大。膨化黑毛豆仁在温度低于20℃、湿度低于70%的条件下保藏6个月,感官品质良好、符合食品卫生标准。     

Effect of fortification on physico-chemical and microbiological stability of whole wheat flour

Stability of fortified whole wheat flour (WWF) was evaluated using NaFeEDTA, elemental iron, ZnSO₄ and ZnO as fortificants. Fortified WWF was stored in tin boxes and polypropylene bags for 60 days under ambient storage condition (ASC) and controlled storage condition (CSC). Fortification significantly (p ? 0.05) decreased moisture and protein content and increased ash content to 5.44%, 6% and 23%, as compared to control. Fortified WWF, assayed periodically for mould contamination manifested a significant inhibition (∼1 log reduction) in flours containing elemental iron. Low storage temperature and relative humidity (RH) indicated lower level of mould count during extended storage time. Tin boxes, as storage material, exhibited a better protection against mould attack, acting as an effective barrier for moisture. Fortificants exerted a slight deteriorative effect on texture characteristics of the chapattis made of these flours but chapattis were still accepted by the judges. Zinc fortificants seemed like having little or no effect on the quality of the flours and chapattis, made of such flours. Shelf life of fortified flour may be extended by using elemental iron as fortificant and storing the product in tin boxes under relatively low temperature and RH.     

Physicochemical, microbiological and sensory changes during ripening and storage of Xinotyri, a traditional Greek cheese from raw goat's milk

Physicochemical, microbiological and sensory characteristics, evolution of lipolysis monitored by measuring acid degree value (ADV) and the main mineral elements were studied during ripening and storage of artisanal Xinotyri cheese from raw goat's milk. Cheeses were characterized by a high content in total solids (TS; 83%) and fat (59% of TS), and very low pH (4.0), water activity (0.87) and moisture (17%). Protein and salt contents at the end of storage were 31% and 2.8%, respectively. Lipolysis increased, while variations in mineral (Ca, P, Mg and Zn) content were found during ripening and storage. Cheeses were free of Salmonella and Listeria in 25 g, while enterobacteria, pseudomonads, and coagulase-positive staphylococci were < 100 cfu/g. Mesophilic lactic acid bacteria increased above 8 log cfu/g by day 6, but declined by 2–3 logs in the ripened cheese (45 days) and by 3–4 logs during cheese storage at 4°C for up to 180 days.     

Texture Analysis of Taro (Colocasia esculenta L. Schott) Cormels during Storage and Cooking

ABSTRACT: Textural characteristics of taro ( Colocasia esculenta L. Schott) cormels during storage at tropical ambient conditions (31.8 to 44.9 °C, 30% to 50% relative humidity [RH]), evaporative cooled room (EC room) (26.2 to 33.9 °C, 59% to 92% RH), and refrigerator (10 °C, 65% RH) and cooking were measured under compression/penetration and cutting modes. After 20 d of storage, physiological loss in weight was maximum at ambient condition followed by EC room and refrigerated condition. The textural parameters (that is, hardness, toughness, cutting force, and cutting energy) significantly increased with storage period whereas effect of storage condition was significant only for toughness and cutting energy ( P < 0.001). Most of the rheological characteristics were lowered for the flours prepared from the stored samples. Fractional conversion technique and time step effect parameters were employed to model the kinetics of texture degradation during cooking. The mode of measurement of texture characteristics influenced the kinetic model, that is, cutting force, was described with 1st-order kinetic model and hardness by dual mechanism of 1st order.