Texture and Rehydration of Dehydrated Carrots as Affected by Low Temperature Blanching

Whole carrots were blanched at four temperatures for five time periods, then blanched again for 6 min at 100°C. A control sample was blanched 8 min at 100°C. All samples were then dehydrated. Very slight differences in rehydration ratios between treatments were observed. The 50°C blanch gave a firmness equal to or less than the control for all blanch times. The carrots blanched at 55°C for 15, 30 and 45 min were less firm than the control while the 60 and 90 min blanched samples were firmer than the control. The 60 and 65°C blanched samples had significantly firmer texture than the control when blanch time was > 30 min. Blanching carrots for 45 min at 65°C increased firmness of the rehydrated product by 51% for uncooked and 27% for cooked.     

Pectinesterase Activity, Pectin Methylation, and Texture Changes During Storage of Blanched Cucumber Slices

Pectin methylation in blanched cucumber slices after 6 months’storage in acid brine (pH 3.7) ranged from 9% (no blanch) to 48% (99°C, 3 min blanch). An 81°C blanch caused complete pectinesterase inactivation, but 15 - 20% reactivation occurred during storage. After a 99°C blanch, only slight reactivation was observed. Pectinesterase was not inactivated at 66°C or less, but up to 85% of the activity was lost during storage. Firmness changes were complex. A clear relationship between pectin methylation and firmness changes was not observed. A 66 or 81°C blanch resulted in best firmness retention. Calcium ion was very effective in prevention of firmness loss regardless of the extent of pectin methylation.     

A modified laboratory canning protocol for quality evaluation of dry bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L)

The effects of calcium (Ca²⁺) level in the soak water, blanch water and brine, blanching temperature, and total seed solids on dry bean canning quality were investigated to optimise a laboratory canning protocol. A linear increase in the Ca²⁺ level of soak water, blanch water and brine resulted in a linear decrease in hydration coefficient and percent washed drained weight but a linear increase in texture. Low Ca²⁺ level (10 mg kg⁻¹) reduced the hydration time for dry bean seed from 14 to 1 h. Blanching temperatures of 50, 70 and 88 °C had non‐significant effects on canning quality traits. Blanching for 30 min at 70 °C for black bean or at 88 °C for navy bean and pinto bean resulted in percent washed drained weight ≥ 60, as required by the Canada Agricultural Products Standards Act. Seed solids levels of 95–97 g per 300 × 407 (14 fl oz) can were sufficient to attain a percent washed drained weight of 60. It was confirmed that the thermal processing conditions (115.6 °C retort temperature, 45 min) used in this study were sufficient to achieve commercial sterility. The optimised lab protocol for evaluation of the canning quality of dry bean breeding lines is as follows. Seed containing 95 g of solids for pinto bean, 96 g for navy bean and 97 g for black bean is soaked in water for 30 min at 20 °C and blanched for 30 min at 70 °C for black bean and 88 °C for navy bean and pinto bean in water containing 10 mg kg⁻¹ of Ca²⁺. The seed is then transferred to a 300 × 407 can, filled with brine containing 10 mg kg⁻¹ of Ca²⁺, 1.3% (w/v) of NaCl and 1.6% (w/v) of sugar. The can is then sealed, processed in steam at 115.6 °C for 45 min and cooled at 20 °C for 20 min. Cans are stored for at least 2 weeks prior to quality evaluation of the canned product. Canning of dry bean seed according to this protocol results in precise estimation of canning quality traits, particularly percent washed drained weight. © 2000 Society of Chemical Industry     

Blanch Temperature/Time Effects on Rheological Properties of Applesauce

Peeled and cored ‘Idared’ and ‘Rome’ apples were blanched in water for 20, 40, and 60 min at 35°. 47°. 59°. 71°. and 83°C minor to making into applesauce by a conventional process each month from Nov. through March. USDA Consist meter values decreased as blanch temperature increased from 35° to 59°C and increased again from 71° to 83°C. There was little variation in flow behavior index (“n” values). Yield stress increased as blanch temperature increased from 35° to 59°C and decreased from 71° to 83°C. The consistency index (K) and serum viscosity were almost unchanged by blanching temperature but both decreased with increasing storage time of fresh fruit. Blanching apples at 59° to 71°C before making into applesauce gave substantially thicker sauces than unbalanced apples.     

Effect of Blanch Temperature on Kinetics of Thermal Softening of Carrots and Green Beans

Cut green beans and diced carrots were blanched at 100°C and 74°C then canned and processed for 5 min to 300 min at 100°C. In every case the rate of thermal softening was consistent with the two substrate first-order kinetic theory of thermal softening of vegetable tissue. The low temperature blanch caused some changes in the apparent firstorder rate constants for both substrates, but the major difference was a much higher intercept of the extrapolated substrate S_S line on the firmness axis. We define S_S at zero process time as the “thermal firmness value” because it is a good indicator of what the firmness of the vegetable will be after canning.     

Vitamin C Retention of Potato Fries Blanched in Water

Vitamin C retention was determined microfluorometrically for French fries heated in water. Vitamin C retention for 1.3 cm (½ in.) water blanched French fries ranged from 83.2–54.1%. The French fry blanch times were 5, 10 and 15 min at 66°C, 77°C and 88°C. The apparent Ea was 4.0 Kcal/mole.     

Low Temperature Blanching Affects Firmness and Rehydration of Dried Cauliflower Florets

Cauliflower florets were blanched at 55, 60, 65, and 70°C, held without cooling for 15, 30, 45, 60, and 90 min, blanched again at 100°and then dried in a hot air dehydrater. The coefficient for the rate of rehydration (?) was calculated using a diffusion model. Rehydrated samples were divided into two equal parts, one part was boiled in water and the other was uncooked. Firmness of rehydrated samples was measured by back extrusion. Blanching cauliflower between 55°and 70°before dehydration caused a substantial increase in extrusion forces after rehydration. Cooking the rehydrated cauliflower decreased firmness of all samples. However, the degree of softening caused by cooking was proportionally less for the low temperature blanch treatments than for the controls.     

Optimization of Blanching Conditions Prior to Deep Fat Frying of Yam Slices

The effect of low-temperature blanching and frying time at a frying temperature of 170°C on moisture and oil contents, breaking force and colour of yam chips was investigated using response surface methodology to establish the optimum blanching conditions and frying time. A central composite rotatable design was used to study the effects of variation in levels of blanching temperature (60–80°C), blanching time (1–5 min) and frying time (2–6 min) on quality attributes of yam chips. The effect of blanching temperature and frying time was more significant than the time of blanching on the quality attributes. The response variables were fitted to predictive models applying multiple linear regressions. Statistical analysis with response surface regression showed that moisture content, oil content, breaking force and L? (lightness) parameter were significantly (P < 0.05) correlated with blanching temperature and time and frying time. However, the regression equation showed a poor fit for a? and b? respectively. The optimum conditions were a blanching temperature of 70–75°C, blanching time of 4–5 min while frying for about 5 min.     

The peroxidase enzyme activity of some vegetables and its resistance to heat

The peroxidase enzyme activities of some fresh vegetables (cabbage, leeks, carrot, spinach, celery, squash, potatoes, onions and green beans) were determined. The peroxidase activities of cabbage and green beans were high. Onions showed very little peroxidase activity. The vegetables were blanched in hot water at 75°G, 85° and 95°C. Peroxidase inactivation was faster at the higher temperature blanch. Blanching of green beans, potatoes and squash at 75°C for 30 min was not sufficient for complete inactivation of peroxidase enzyme. Peroxidase enzyme inactivation was also affected by the type of vegetable and the size of vegetable pieces.     

Low-temperature Blanch Improves Textural Quality of French-fries

Potatoes, CV. Alpha, were sorted (specific gravity), peeled, cut, and blanched at four temperatures (55—70°C) for several times (0—60 min.) before frying in vegetable oil (200°C, 4 min). Multiple puncture (raw potatoes) and single puncture and Texture Profile Analysis (TPA) of French-fries were used. Limpness angle and oil retention (Carver press) were also evaluated. Firmness and some TPA parameters (chewiness, cohesiveness) were increased (>200%) by blanch. Limpness and oil content were reduced by treatment. Improvement of French-fries texture resulted after blanching for 30—45 min. at 60—65°C.     

Optimization of processing conditions for vacuum frying of high quality fried plantain chips using response surface methodology (RSM)

Optimization of processing conditions (temperature 122 to 136°C, vacuum pressure 9.91 to 19.91 cmHg, and frying time 3 to 9 min) during vacuum frying of plantain chips was investigated using a Box-Behnken experimental design with response surface methodology (RSM). Models for various responses were developed and optimized frying conditions using numerical solutions were established. Optimized vacuum fried samples were compared with atmospheric fried samples based on the concept of equivalent thermal driving force (ETDF). Frying parameters had significant (p<0.05) effects on the moisture content, texture, and color with a coefficient of determination (R ²) for quadratic model responses varying between 0.53 and 0.99. Optimum vacuum frying conditions for plantain chips were a frying temperature of 133°C, vacuum pressure of 9.91 cmHg, and frying time of 6 min based on desirability concepts. Vacuum fried plantain chips had more acceptable sensory properties, based on ETDF values, than atmospheric fried samples.     

A study of the apparent diffusion coefficients for ascorbic acid losses from peas during blanching in water

Blanching is an important pretreatment in the processing of many vegetables. The previous studies concluded that the major losses of ascorbic acid from peas during blanching in water are due to leaching process. Therefore this study is concerned with the loss of ascorbic acid from peas during water blanching at 50,60,70,80 and 90°C for 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 min, in an attempt to elucidate the mechanisms involved in such losses. When the agitation of the blanch water is sufficient, the surface resistance is made negligibly small, and the total resistance to the loss of ascorbic acid from peas to the blanch water is controlled by diffusion mechanism only. So the apparent diffusion coefficients (D) for ascorbic acid loss from peas were calculated after blanching under various conditions. When the temperature ranged from 50°C to 90°C, values of D were found to be in the range of 0.94 × 10^?8 to 1.94 × 10^?8 m² s^?1, having an activation energy of 18.71 kJ/mol. Also the results indicated that, if there was a sufficient agitation, the leaching of ascorbic acid from peas during blanching in water was controlled by “diffusion”.     

Water Vapor Uptake by Fat-Free Apple Chips Decreased by Emulsifiers

The critical moisture sorption times of fat‐free apple chips varied from 29 min at 82% RH and 30 °C to over 24 h both at 34% RH, 20 °C and at 45% RH and 10 °C. Some emulsifiers added to the solution of carbohydrates used to treat apple slices before drying effectively decreased chip hygroscopicity. It was found that sodium stearoyl‐2‐lactate, sucrose esters, monoglycerides and their citric acid esters did not adversely affect flavor or texture of apple chips. During 3 h of exposure at 20 °C and 54% RH chips treated with these emulsifiers adsorbed from 14 to 25% less moisture than the untreated ones.     

Mushroom Blanch Water Concentration by Membrane Processes

Mushroom blanch water was concentrated by ultrafiltration (UF) and reverse osmosis (RO). UF prefiltration was essential in preventing severe fouling during the RO process. When the UF blanch water permeate was processed by RO, linear relationships between pressure and flux were observed at all concentrations tested. The blanch water was concentrated by UF/RO from 2% to 13% total solids at 60°C and 120 KPa/5000 KPa operating pressures with flux higher than 15 L/m² hr. Maximum concentration obtained was approximately 20% total solids with 90% recovery of the nonvolatiles. Recoveries of some major volatiles were above 50%. Panelists could not differentiate the original from the reconstituted blanch waters in sensory evaluations.     

Shelf-life of near-aseptically packaged refrigerated potato strips

The effect of hot water blanching and near-aseptic packaging on the shelf-life of refrigerated potato strips was investigated based on quality; microbial, textural and color. Potato strips were first blanched at low temperature (60 °C) for 10 or 20 min, and then second blanched at high temperature (∼98 °C) for 1, 5 or 10 min. Blanched potato strips were cooled and packaged into near-aseptic polyethylene bags using a near-aseptic packaging chamber. Microbial spoilage was observed for all treatments which received a second blanch of only 1-min. No microbial growth was observed within 28 days of refrigerated storage in strips treated for either 10 or 20 min in first blanch followed by 5 or 10 min in second blanch. Near-aseptically packaged refrigerated potato fries were significantly lighter in color and higher in textural quality compared to unprocessed fries (neither blanched nor near-aseptically packaged). No significant changes were observed in quality of near-aseptically packaged refrigerated potato strips during 28 days of storage at 7 ± 1 °C. These results indicate that combination of blanching and near-aseptic packaging is the better non-chemical alternative method for potato strips to extend shelf-life.     

Blanch Time and Cultivar Effects on Quality of Frozen and Stored Corn and Broccoli

Three corn and 2 broccoli cultivars were steam blanched for various times and evaluated for residual enzyme activity. Lipoxygenase was inactivated in 4 min in supersweet corn, while sweet corn required a 6-min blanch; peroxidase was inactivated in 8 min. Inactivation of broccoli lipoxygenase, peroxidase, and cystine lyase was achieved in 90 s. Blanched samples were stored 9 mo at –18 °C, then analyzed for color, texture, hexanal, free fatty acids, and sugars. Firmness increased significantly with blanching in both commodities, then declined. Short blanch treatments targeting lipoxygenase inactivation positively affected color and texture of both corn and broccoli. Changes in current industry practices are recommended.     

Effects of processing conditions on the quality of vacuum fried apple chips

The effects of pretreatment and processing conditions on the quality of vacuum fried apple chips were studied. As blanched apple slices were pretreated by immersing in fructose solution and freezing prior to vacuum frying, more uniform porosity was observed on the surface (or cross-section) of apple chips as examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). During vacuum frying, the moisture content and breaking force of apple chips decreased with increasing frying temperature and time while the oil content increased. The L values of fried apple chips decreased apparently with increasing frying temperature. However, when apple slices were fried at 100°C for up to 20 min, both a and b values increased rapidly. Statistical analysis with the central composite rotatable design showed that the moisture content, oil content, color, and breaking force of apple chips were significantly (P⩽0.05) correlated with concentration of immersing sugar solution, frying temperature and frying time. Based on surface responses and contour plots, optimum conditions were: vacuum frying temperature of 100–110°C, vacuum frying time of 20–25 min, and immersing fructose concentration of 30–40%.     

Thermal kinetics of pungency loss in relation to the quality of pickled garlic

The kinetics of the loss of pungency (enzymatically formed pyruvate) from garlic slices during heating was investigated at selected temperatures (60, 65, 70 and 75 °C) with the aim of optimizing the water blanching treatment in the processing of pickled garlic. For each temperature, after a lag period, pungency appeared to decrease in two phases as heating progressed. The first and more important phase, which was used for the calculation of the kinetic parameters, followed first‐order kinetics. The calculated z‐value (9.4 °C) was significantly lower than z‐values generally reported for degradation of quality factors in foods. The effectiveness of thermal treatment to eliminate pungent flavour and inhibit green discolouration increased with increasing temperatures. Optimum blanch treatment was reached at 80 °C for 1.1 min. Pyruvate determination was shown to be a better indicator of pungency than allicin determination in blanched garlic slices.     

Effects of processing conditions on the quality of vacuum‐fried carrot chips

The effects of pretreatment and vacuum frying conditions on the quality of fried carrot chips were studied. The moisture and oil contents of fried carrot chips were significantly (p < 0.05) reduced when blanched carrot slices were pretreated by immersion in fructose solution and freezing prior to vacuum frying. Furthermore, more uniform porosity was observed on the vertical cross‐section of carrot chips when examined by scanning electron microscopy. During vacuum frying, the moisture content, colour and breaking force of carrot chips decreased while the oil content increased with increasing frying temperature and time. However, there was no apparent change in Hunter ΔE with time when the frying temperature was below 100 °C and the frying time was below 25 min. Results of this study suggest that vacuum frying at moderate temperature (90–100 °C) for 20 min can produce carrot chips with lower moisture and oil contents as well as good colour and crispy texture. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry     

Effectiveness of antioxidants on the stability of banana chips

The effectiveness of butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) in improving the stability of banana chips stored at 65°C were compared. Criteria used in the assessment of the stability of the chips included the determinations of peroxide, p-anisidine, acid and iodine values, E_1cm ^1% at 232 amd 268 nm and the C18:2/C16:0 ratio of oil extracted from banana chips. It was found that chips fried in refined, bleached and deodorised (RBD) olein containing BHA or BHT were more stable than chips fried in RBD olein without antioxidants. BHT was more effective than BHA in prolonging the shelf-life of of banana chips. The same order of effectiveness of the antioxidants was observed at 65°C and at room temperature (25°C).