ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY AND QUALITY OF MINIMALLY PROCESSED INDIAN CABBAGE (BRASSICA OLERACEA var CAPITATA)

The effect of different dip treatments and storage period on the antioxidant activity and biochemical quality of Indian cabbage for minimal processing was studied. A gradual decrease in total antioxidant activity was observed during storage at 6C with no detectable activity at the end of 9 days in all the dip treatments, except in treatments containing combination of ascorbic acid and citric acid, and ascorbic acid alone (10 g/L each). Possibility of considering antioxidant activity as a marker of shelf-life has also been proposed. Incorporation of ascorbic acid and citric acid in the dip water improved the overall appearance and retained the maximum antioxidant activity, ascorbic acid and total carotenoids. Based on the overall quality and appearance score, Golden Acre was found suitable for minimal processing with a shelf-life of 9 days.     

RADIO FREQUENCY PULSE APPLICATION FOR HEATING UNIFORMITY IN POSTHARVEST CODLING MOTH (LEPIDOPTERA: TORTRICIDAE) CONTROL OF FRESH APPLES (MALUS DOMESTICA BORKH.)

A radio frequency (RF) treatment, with a pulse mode to increase heating uniformity, was examined as a potential quarantine treatment against fifth instars of the codling moth, Cydia pomonella L. (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), in apples, Malus sylvestris L. var. domestica (Borkh.) Mansf., intended for export to Japan. Apples were exposed in water baths to 27.12‐MHz RF energy at 12 kW with a pulse mode of 30 s‐on/30 s‐off for different durations. The temperature uniformity was determined by measurements at 12 sites evenly spaced at two depths in the fruit. The most promising exposure time was 29 min. The efficacy of the treatment with the pulse mode was examined against the codling moth larvae by using exposures between 27 and 30 min and up to 30 min of holding time in bath after treatment. The treatment that killed all larvae with the least amount of energy was the 29‐min exposure with 50‐min holding time. This treatment was appraised for fruit quality in “Delicious” apples. Some injury was observed when treated fruits were removed from 1C storage after 30 days. When these fruits were held at 25C for 1 week, all were too damaged to evaluate for fruit quality. Although pulse mode increased heating uniformity in the fruit, the thermal requirements to control codling moth larvae may exceed the injury threshold of the fruits.     

QUALITY OF MINIMALLY PROCESSED FRUITS AND VEGETABLES

Consumer demand for fresh fruits and vegetables coupled with a demand for convenience is fueling an interest in minimally processed products. Advances in packaging technology provide a potential for improved quality and extended shelf-life of these products, but little is known about the physiological, microbiological and nutritional consequences of minimal processing. Mass marketing and brand-label identification of these products will require a new perspective on shelf-life and quality assurance. A systems approach has been proposed as a framework for quality management of fresh and minimally processed product based on the concept of providing the consumer with optimum quality at purchase and consumption.     

THE SHELF-LIFE OF MINIMALLY PROCESSED FRESH CUT MELONS

Honeydew and cantaloupe melons were surface sterilized by scrubbing with a hypochlorite solution at low level (200 ppm total available chlorine) and high level (2000 ppm total available chlorine), peeled and cut into “chunks”. Fruit pieces were dipped in a dilute hypochlorite solution (pH 6) of 50 ppm total available chlorine prior to packaging under an atmosphere of 95% N₂ and 5% O₂ and storage at 2.2C. Unwashed and water-washed samples were also prepared as controls. Microbial counts and sensory analyses were monitored during a 20 day storage period. Microbial counts of unwashed and water-washed samples were found to be significantly (p≤0.05) different from the fruits which were chlorine washed initially, and during the storage time. However, increasing the free available chlorine concentration tenfold did not result in any further significant increase in the shelf-life. Rapid decline was observed in all measured microbial and sensory quality factors of unwashed samples during storage. Proper sanitation and production practices along with raw material selection can ensure a shelf-life of 15 days for cantaloupe and honeydew pieces.     

MICROBIOLOGICAL CONSEQUENCES OF MINIMALLY PROCESSED FRUITS AND VEGETABLES

Microbiology is an important factor in the quality of minimally processed fruits and vegetables. Type of food, temperature, humidity, and use of modified atmosphere or low dose irradiation can influence the microecology of a food. Changes in the microbial ecology can likewise influence the ultimate safety and overall quality of fruits and vegetables. Therefore, food scientists must consider the microbiological consequences of all practices involved in production, processing, and delivery of these products.     

PHYSIOLOGICAL CONSEQUENCES OF MINIMALLY PROCESSED FRUITS AND VEGETABLES

The physiological consequences of minimal processing are dire. Mechanical injury sets off a complex series of events which result in loss of quality (i.e. color, texture and flavor). Control of this wounding response is a major obstacle that must be overcome. To prolong postharvest life, respiration must be reduced while producing enough energy to maintain the “energized state”. The central roles of membranes and calcium in maintaining quality are discussed.     

STORAGE OF MINIMALLY PROCESSED ROMAINE LETTUCE UNDER CONTROLLED ATMOSPHERE

The effects of CO₂ and O₂ concentration on the preservation of minimally processed Romaine lettuce (Lactuca sativa, L.) under controlled atmosphere were studied. The lettuce was stored at 4C for 16 days under a continuous stream of nitrogen containing 0.5 to 2% O₂ and 2 to 15% CO₂. Increasing the CO₂ content in the atmosphere to 10% or more reduced enzymatic browning due to wounding and improved lettuce visual quality. However, 15% CO₂ caused brown lesions (brown stain, BS) after 8 days of storage. Decreasing the O₂ content to 1% in the presence of 10% CO₂ reduced tissue browning slightly without lowering the content of phenols, but 0.5% O₂ increased browning and anaerobiosis. Among the atmospheres tested, 10% CO₂ and 1% O₂ were beneficial for maintenance of the quality of minimally processed Romaine lettuce.     

STORAGE QUALITY OF MINIMALLY PROCESSED CABBAGE PACKAGED IN PLASTIC FILMS

The effects of packaging and storage at 3C in a refrigerated case on quality changes of minimally processed cabbage were studied. Shredded cabbage samples were packaged in three forms: bags of monooriented polypropylene film (OPP bags) and polyethylene trays overwrapped with a multilayer polyolefin (RD106-PE tray) or with a plasticized PVC film (PVC-PE tray). All types of package effectively controlled the weight loss. The modified atmosphere in PVC-and RD106- PE trays did not change more than 3% as compared with normal atmosphere levels. However, in OPP bags, O₂ reached 2% and CO₂ increased to approximately 13% after 3 days. The microbiological quality during the storage period for all types of packaging was satisfactory. OPP samples were significantly better (p <0.05) in general appearance, wilting and browning but developed an off-odor. No off-odor was detected in samples packaged in PVC and RD106-PE trays. Shelf life for the three packaging forms was estimated.     

QUALITY OF MINIMALLY PROCESSED APPLE SLICES USING DIFFERENT MODIFIED ATMOSPHERE CONDITIONS

Fresh sliced apples were packaged in air, under vacuum or in the presence of nitrogen or carbon dioxide-nitrogen atmospheres and stored at 4 and 20C up to 20 days. Changes in color and firmness and microbial growth were then evaluated at different storage times. The modified atmospheres (MAs) studied showed positive or negative effects on the quality retention of the packed apple slices depending on the indicator followed. Of the air packed samples, all the MAs studied were suitable in preventing enzymatic browning but they differently influenced the microbial growth. Firmness decay, which was scarcely affected by MAs, was sufficiently reduced under refrigerated storage conditions. Carbon dioxide-nitrogen and under vacuum packagings were the most effective in inhibiting microbial growth.     

INFLUENCE OF OPERATING CONDITIONS ON SENSORY QUALITY OF MINIMALLY PROCESSED OSMOTICALLY DEHYDRATED GUAVA

Abstract The influence of solution temperature (T), process time (t) and pressure regimen (P) on the sensory quality of minimally processed, osmotically dehydrated guava was analyzed. The study encompassed these values of each independent variable: T-30, 40 and 50C; t-60, 120 and 180 min, and P-atmospheric pressure, pulsed vacuum (5 min under vacuum, then atmospheric pressure) and continuous vacuum. The product was sensorially evaluated for color, flavor and firmness. Results were processed by means of the Design Expert version 5 software. Temperature, time and pressure regimen were shown to significantly influence the product's flavor. No effect of the factors on the fruit's color and firmness could be demonstrated. At the cellular level the tissues of guava treated at 40C for 60 min under pulsed vacuum are not significantly altered.     

QUALITY OF MINIMALLY PROCESSED LETTUCE AS INFLUENCED BY PACKAGING AND CHEMICAL TREATMENT

Shredded lettuce was packaged in sealed bags of monooriented polypropylene (OPP) film and also in polyethylene (PE) trays overwrapped with a multilayer polyolefin (RD106) or plasticized polyvinyl chloride (PVC) film; and stored at 4C in a refrigerated case during 8 days. Chemical treatment by dipping in a 0.3% ascorbic acid /0.3% citric acid solution did not significantly affect changes in microbial populations or visual sensory attributes. Type of package was not a significant factor for microorganism populations, but was significant (p<0.001) for changes in gas composition and visual sensory attributes. The modified atmosphere within the packages changed from normal air composition to about 1.5% O₂/12% CO₂ for OPP bags and to about 17–18% O₂/1–2% CO₂ for PVC-PE trays and RD106-PE trays after 8 days of storage. The visual sensory quality of the product was retained better in OPP bags than in the other ones.     

EFFECTS of CONTROLLED ATMOSPHERE ON QUALITY of MINIMALLY PROCESSED APPLE (cv. JONAGORED)

Controlled atmosphere (2% O₂+ 4% to 12% CO₂) storage was found to be advantageous over air storage in terms of overall preservation of fresh-cut apple (cv. Jonagored). After 3 days, CA-stored apple cubes were firmer, showed better color and higher content of fructose and soluble solids content than air-stored cubes. In relation to color preservation this benefit was increased when CO₂ in the atmosphere was increased to 12% CO₂. Controlled atmosphere storage showed no advantage over air storage in relation to sensory evaluation of firmness and flavor.     

POLYPHENOLOXIDASE ACTIVITY, BROWNING POTENTIAL AND PHENOLIC CONTENT OF PEACHES DURING POSTHARVEST RIPENING

Changes in the polyphenoloxidase (PPO) activity and the phenolic content of peaches (Prunus persica cv. Premier) during postharvest ripening were studied. The fruits were stored at 12 or 25C for up to 15 days. The quantity of extractable proteins was maximum at 6–10 days storage at 25 and 12C, coinciding with the onset of the yellowness in the fruits. The PPO activity increased up to the ripening stage, showing a maximum value at 8 days of storage. This was coincident with the maximum degree of browning as evaluated by the absorbance at 440 nm. The amount of total phenolics and chlorogenic acid in the fruits decreased during storage; however, the differences were not significant. The browning potential closely correlated with the enzyme activity, but not with the phenolic content.     

CHARACTERIZATION OF POLYPHENOLOXIDASE FROM WILD PEAR (PYRUS ELAEGRIFOLIA)

Wild pear polyphenoloxidase (PePPO) was extracted and purified using a Sepharose 4B- l -tyrosine- p -amino benzoic acid affinity column. Optimum conditions for pH, temperature and heat inactivation were determined. At the optimum pH and temperature, K _M and V _max values for PePPO with catechol and pyrogallol were determined. The V _max/ K _M showed that PePPO has the greatest activity toward catechol. Optimum pH for PePPO was pH 6.0 using catechol as substrate. Optimum temperatures of PePPO for pyragallol and catechol were 65 and 35C, respectively. Enzyme activity decreased because of heat denaturation with increasing temperature. Inhibition of PePPO was investigated using p -aminobenzoic acid, ethyleneglycol, l -cysteine, l -tyrosine, sodium azide, p -aminobenzenesulfonamide, β-mercaptoethanol and dithiothreitol and catechol as substrate. Competitive-type inhibition was obtained with ethyleneglycol, l -cysteine, l -tyrosine, p -aminobenzenesulfonamide and dithiothreitol. Uncompetitive inhibition was obtained with β-mercaptoethanol, sodium azide and p -aminobenzoic acid. These results show that the most effective inhibitor for PePPO was dithiothreitol and that the type of inhibition depended on the origin of PPO.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

In this present work, the properties of polyphenoloxidase in Pyrus elaegrifolia , including optimum temperature, optimum pH, substrate specificity and response to inhibitors, were studied.     

MODELING THE SENSORY QUALITIES OF PROCESSED APPLES AFTER CONTROLLED ATMOSPHERE STORAGE AND FROZEN STORAGE1

Durational effects of controlled atmosphere storage (CA) and frozen storage on apple quality were studied for commercially processed pies made from Northern Spy, Idared and Nova Spy apples. Sensory tests on apple pie quality indicated that the duration of apples in CA significantly affected the quality of the processed apple. Extending the CA duration of the apples to 45 weeks resulted in a pie filling with reduced apple flavor, tartness and astringency, and with increased sweetness and off‐flavor. To minimize flavor/taste changes throughout the processing season, close attention must be given to the product's sugar/acid formulation: by week 27 for Idared apples and by week 33 for Northern Spy and Novaspy apples. The texture and appearance of processed Novaspy and Idared fruits were affected earlier in CA than Northern Spy apples. The frozen product was relatively stable for all three varieties, especially for apples processed early in the storage season (15–27 weeks). A strategy that utilizes short‐ to medium‐term CA with longer‐term frozen storage would optimize quality across the season.     

THE EFFECT OF PRETREATMENT OF SHREDDED CELERIAC USING SOLUTIONS OF ENZYMATIC BROWNING INHIBITORS ON THE QUALITY OF MINIMALLY PROCESSED PRODUCT

ABSTRACT

The study investigated the effect of soaking celeriac flakes in solutions containing various concentrations of enzymatic browning inhibitors on the quality of stored minimally processed product. Ascorbic acid (0.2–0.5%), 4‐hexylresorcinol (0.003–0.01%), sodium chloride (0.1–0.5%) and sodium lactate (2–3%) were used as browning inhibitors. On the basis of the conducted tests, it was found that among the applied browning inhibitors, only ascorbic acid had an advantageous effect on the quality of stored celeriac flakes. Along with an increase in its concentration in the solution (0.2–0.5%) used for the pretreatment of the flakes, the value of color parameter a* decreased, while the value of parameter b* increased. At the concentration of ascorbic acid in the solution exceeding 0.25%, flake color in the sensory examination was evaluated as desirable. An increase of ascorbic acid concentration in the solution in the range from 0.2 to 0.4% resulted in a decrease in the total mesophilic and psychrophilic bacteria counts, respectively, by 3 and 1 log cfu/g of the stored product.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Minimal processing of celeriac provides convenience for consumers and many economic benefits for producers. Minimal processing of celeriac can induce disadvantageous changes in tissue, which may lead to darkening of the flakes and deterioration of product sensory attributes. Moreover, shredded raw material constitutes an excellent medium for the development of microorganisms. This article contains information about the effectiveness of enzymatic browning inhibitors for extending the shelf life of celeriac flakes. We show a range of concentrations of inhibitors, which improve the preservation of color, intrinsic taste and microbial quality of minimally processed celeriac.