POLYPHENOLOXIDASE ACTIVITY OF MINIMALLY PROCESSED 'JONAGORED' APPLES (MALUS DOMESTICA)

The influence of three chemical dips using ascorbic acid (AA), citric acid (CA) and calcium chloride (CC) on the polyphenoloxidase (PPO) activity and on the total phenolic content of minimally processed (MP) apple (Malus domestica, cv. Jonagored) during cold storage was evaluated and a potential relationship with enzymatic browning was investigated. An ascorbic acid dip (42.6 mM) of 5 min duration was the most efficient chemical treatment in reducing the PPO activity of apple cubes. A 92% inhibition was achieved after 7 days of storage at 4C. All treatments were advantageous in comparison to the control in reducing color changes. Color changes, determined by absorbance at 420 nm (soluble pigments) and lightness (L) (insoluble pigments) of apple cubes treated with ascorbic acid were correlated with total phenolic content. No correlation was observed between PPO activity and tristimulus color parameters, browning index or total phenolic content of AA‐treated apple cubes.     

抗坏血酸与壳聚糖处理对鲜切香芋贮藏效果的研究

以湖南香芋头为试材,研究不同浓度抗坏血酸与壳聚糖处理对鲜切香芋的贮藏效果及生理生化变化的影响。结果表明,在15℃贮藏温度下,与对照相比,0、1.0、5.0、10.0g/L 抗坏血酸(VC)分别与15.0g/L 壳聚糖配合处理较好地保持了鲜切香芋的外观和营养,减少鲜切香芋的失重率和褐变度,并抑制多酚氧化酶(PPO)、过氧化物酶(POD)和淀粉酶的活性。其中,5.0g/L 抗坏血酸与壳聚糖配合处理的保鲜效果最明显。     

Green tea extract as a natural antioxidant to extend the shelf-life of fresh-cut lettuce

Green tea extract (GT) was evaluated as a preservative treatment for fresh-cut lettuce. Different quality markers, e.g. respiration, browning, ascorbic acid and carotenoid content were evaluated. GT concentration (0.25, 0.5 and 1 g 100 mL^− 1) and temperature (20 °C and 50 °C) were tested. Optimal GT treatment (0.25 g 100 mL^− 1 at 20 °C) was compared with chlorine (120 ppm at 20 °C). High GT concentrations (0.5 g 100 mL^− 1 and 1.0 g 100 mL^− 1) maintained better prevent ascorbic acid and carotenoid loss than 0.25 g 100 mL^− 1 GT and chlorine. GT increased browning of samples, probably due to the content of polyphenols of the treatment; the use of heat-shock reduced this negative effect. GT and heat-shock combined also showed negative effects, reducing the antioxidant content (ascorbic acid and carotenoids). No significant differences were observed between chlorine and optimal GT (0.25 g 100 mL^− 1 at 20 °C) in browning appearance and sensory properties. GT better kept the antioxidant activity of the samples than chlorine.

Industrial relevance

An alternative treatment for minimally processed Iceberg lettuce is tested, based on its antioxidant capacity. Minimally processed industry is constantly looking for new treatments to avoid the use of chlorine which is a standard at the moment.     

Effects of UV‐C irradiation on the physiological and antioxidant responses of button mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus) during storage

Novel postharvest technology not only preserves the freshness of fruits and vegetables, but also triggers the biosynthesis of antioxidant compounds as a secondary response. This study examined the browning and antioxidant properties of button mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus) treated with UV‐C irradiation in combination with cold storage. Three sample preparation methods for antioxidant activity analysis, simulative gastrointestinal digestion (GAR), direct evaluation (QUENCHER) and traditional solvent extraction (TSE), were used to evaluate the samples, and followed analysing by both FRAP and ABTS assays. Broadly, the results indicated that, following an initial increase, UV‐C irradiation suppressed browning during a cold storage period of 18 days. And the total phenolic content of the treated mushrooms were higher than that of the control, while the ascorbic acid content decreased sharply during storage, and UV‐C treatment had negative effects on ascorbic acid content. Results from the QUENCHER and GAR methods showed that UV‐C treatment significantly increases the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of mushrooms throughout the entire storage period, and have a larger magnitude than that of TSE method. In conclusion, the combination of UV‐C irradiation and cold storage showed great potential for improving mushroom quality as a new postharvest technology.     

Effect of Minimal Processing on Quality of Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus L.) Bulbs Using Response Surface Methodology

Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus L.) bulbs were minimally processed using variables such as CaCl₂ concentration (0.13–1.47%), ascorbic acid (AA) concentration (0.005–0.03%), and treatment time (8–43 min). Second-order polynomial model was proposed with regard to effect of independent variables on responses such as juice leakage, firmness, browning index, L value, and overall acceptability by response surface methodology (RSM) using a central-composite experimental design. The established models for responses showed a good fit with the experimental data (R ² > 0.896), describing the effect of independent variables on the quality parameters of minimally processed jackfruit bulbs. The recommended processing conditions for maximizing firmness, L value and overall acceptability and minimizing juice leakage, and browning index in the samples at the end of 20 days of low temperature storage were found to be 1% CaCl₂, 0.02% AA, and 30 min of treatment time. The RSM was found to be an effective tool to model the effect of minimal processing treatments on jackfruit bulbs quality.     

Effects of ascorbic acid retention on juice color and pigment stability in blood orange (Citrus sinensis) juice during refrigerated storage

Blood orange juice samples with two different levels of ascorbic acid content were placed in HDPE plastic bottles, pasteurized, and stored at 4.5 °C. The influence of ascorbic acid retention on color stability of blood orange juice was investigated using CIE L*a*b*, hue, chroma, polymeric color, and browning index during the storage period. Changes in monomeric anthocyanin pigments, total carotenoid contents, cyanidin-3-glucoside, and ascorbic acid were also measured. Ascorbic acid degradation was highly correlated (r>0.93) to anthocyanin pigment degradation. Ascorbic acid content also showed linear correlation with red color intensity (CIE a*, and chroma) in the juice. Polymeric color and browning index increased with storage time and were more pronounced for juice fortified with ascorbic acid.     

Nonenzymatic Browning in Aseptically Packaged Orange Juice and Orange Drinks. Effect of Amino Acids, Deaeration, and Anaerobic Storage

Single strength orange juice and synthetic orange drinks containing 10% (v/v) orange juice and 0.4 and 0.8% w/w concentrations of each amino acid, aspartic acid, arginine, and 4-aminobutyric acid were aseptically packaged using 250 mL Tetra Brik Packs. Samples were stored at 24°C for 16 wk under anaerobic and aerobic conditions, and were tested every 4 wk for nonenzymatic browning, ascorbic acid (AA) retention, dehydroascorbic acid (DHAA) formation, and sensory changes. Deaeration and anaerobic storage resulted in increased retention of ascorbic acid. However, there was very little change in the flavor score, browning, color or change in the amino acid content of the different samples during the entire storage period.     

Inhibition of browning on the surface of peach slices by short-term exposure to nitric oxide and ascorbic acid

The effect of 0.2% ascorbic acid (AA), 5 μM nitric oxide (NO), and the simultaneous use of 0.2% AA and 5 μM NO solutions on inhibiting surface browning of fresh-cut peach slices stored at 10 °C and RH 95% was investigated. The browning index, relative leakage rate, microstructure, total phenol content, and activity of the phenol metabolism-associated enzymes phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL), polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and peroxidase (POD) were evaluated. The results indicate that treatment with 0.2% AA, 5 μM NO and simultaneous use of 0.2% AA and 5 μM NO resulted in higher total phenol content, inhibition of PPO and POD activity, reduced membrane permeability and protection of cell microstructure to maintain compartmentation between enzymes and their substrates. In addition, NO increased PAL activity. The causes of inhibition in the browning of peach slices by NO are discussed.     

Non-enzymatic browning in clarified cashew apple juice during thermal treatment: Kinetics and process control

The effect of thermal treatment on clarified cashew apple juice was studied at temperatures from 88 to 121 °C. Changes in colour measured with colorimetric parameters (reflectance spectra, colour difference and CIELAB), and the variation in ascorbic acid, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF) and sugar content were used to evaluate non-enzymatic browning. Kinetic models were applied to the changes in reflectance spectra, ascorbic acid and 5-HMF. The effect of temperature on kinetic constants was described by an Arrhenius type equation. The sugar content remained constant during thermal treatment and did not affect non-enzymatic browning, which was mainly affected by degradation of ascorbic acid. The kinetic models were used to optimise and control the thermal treatment for clarified cashew apple juice.     

EFFECT OF DIPPING TREATMENTS ON COLOR STABILIZATION AND TEXTURE OF APPLE CUBES FOR INFRARED DRY-BLANCHING PROCESS

This research investigated the effectiveness of dipping treatments on reducing enzymatic browning of apple cubes for infrared dry‐blanching (IDB) process. Apple cubes were dipped in solutions with various combinations of ascorbic acid (AA), citric acid (CA) and calcium chloride (CC) at different concentrations (0.1–1.5%) for up to 10 min. Some dipped samples were further blanched with the IDB method. Color and texture of the dipped samples with and without blanching were determined after the samples were exposed in ambient air for up to 100 min. Results showed that the combination of any two chemicals among the three chemicals tested could effectively reduce browning rate. Dipping treatments of CC or CC + AA resulted in firmer samples after IDB than the controls and those treated with AA + CA. Dipping in 0.5% AA + 0.5% CC for 5 min is recommended as pretreatment of apple cubes for IDB.     

OSMOTIC DEHYDRATION OF MUSKMELON (CUCUMIS MELO): INFLUENCE OF BLANCHING AND SYRUP CONCENTRATION

The influence of blanching and syrup concentration on the quality parameters of osmo‐air‐dried muskmelon product was investigated. Fruit samples were dehydrated with sucrose solutions at 40, 50 and 60°Brix and the resulting products were analyzed for browning degree, ascorbic acid (AA) concentration and water activity. The values for all three parameters decreased as the syrup concentration increased. Blanching treatment before the osmotic processing had no effect on browning but caused a decrease in AA concentration. Osmotically dehydrated fruits showed no browning increase for at least 4 weeks at 2C. A decrease of about 60% in AA concentration was observed within the first 2 weeks at 10C. In contrast, AA loss was only observed after 2 weeks at 2C. The influence of storage time and temperature on AA retention was investigated by 2² factorial design. Statistical analysis of results showed that the two factors have a significant effect on AA retention. Osmotic dehydration may be an interesting alternative for processing of muskmelon as a pretreatment followed by cold storage or drying.     

Effect of Low Temperature Sonication on Orange Juice Quality Parameters using Response Surface Methodology

Freshly squeezed orange juice samples were sonicated at a constant frequency of 20 kHz for a range of processing temperatures (10–30 °C), amplitude levels (40–100%) and time (2–10 min) with pulse durations of 5 s on and 5 s off. Hunter colour values (L*, a* and b*), pH, ^oBrix, titratable acidity, cloud, non-enzymatic browning and ascorbic acid content were measured. Response surface methodology (RSM) based upon a three-factor, three-level Box–Behnken experimental design was used to determine the effect of independent variables. Under process conditions used in this study, no significant difference (p < 0.05) in pH, ^oBrix or titratable acidity was observed. Model predictions developed for Hunter colour values, cloud value, non-enzymatic browning and ascorbic acid content were closely correlated (R ² > 0.92) to experimental data. Box–Behnken design and RSM was demonstrated to be an effective technique to model the effect of sonication on juice quality while minimising the number of experiments required.     

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     

Postharvest performance of fresh‐cut ‘Big Top’ nectarine as affected by dipping in chemical preservatives and packaging in modified atmosphere

Fresh‐cut ‘Big Top’ nectarines were dipped in 2% (w/v) ascorbic acid–1% (w/v) calcium lactate and stored at 4 °C for up to 12 days in 10 kPa O₂‐ and 10 kPa CO₂‐modified atmosphere packaging (MAP). The used microperforated plastic film allowed O₂ and CO₂ concentrations to reach steady values from the fifth day in storage onwards. Samples stored in MAP after chemical dipping showed the highest visual quality score, slight browning symptoms, increment in firmness and very low ethanol and acetaldehyde content. The chemical dipping also increased antioxidant capacity, probably due to the effect of ascorbic acid. The results suggested that the control of yeasts was mainly exerted by MAP, whereas only a slight effect was achieved by the chemical dipping. Therefore, MAP plus ascorbic acid/calcium lactate dipping was the best combination to preserve phytochemical content, antioxidant capacity and microbiological safety of fresh‐cut nectarines during storage.     

Inhibition of polyphenol oxidase and peroxidase activities on fresh-cut apple by simultaneous treatment of ultrasound and ascorbic acid

The effects of ultrasound and ascorbic acid on activity changes of polyphenol oxidase and peroxidase, of fresh-cut apple during storage, were investigated. The combined treatment of ultrasound and ascorbic acid inactivated monophenolase, diphenolase, and peroxidase, whilst the individual treatment of ultrasound or ascorbic acid had inverse and limited inhibitory effect on the enzymes. The main protein bands had a molecular weight of approximately 63 kDa. A diffuse band, lacking the electrophoretic mobility of proteins, was observed after combined treatment. This investigation revealed that simultaneous treatment with ultrasound and ascorbic acid had synergistic inhibitory effects on several enzymes related to enzymatic browning.     

Changes in browning‐related components of apple slices during different stages of instant controlled pressure drop‐assisted hot air drying (AD‐DIC)

The effect of instant controlled pressure drop‐assisted hot air drying (AD‐DIC) on browning‐related components in apple slices was studied. Results showed the AD temperature had no significant effect on colour index of final apple slices. The aspartic acid, glutamic acid, lysine, histidine, arginine, sucrose and dehydroascorbic acid (DHAA) in apple slices increased firstly during the AD process and then decreased during DIC process. The fructose, glucose, reduced ascorbic acid and major phenolic compounds reduced with the abrupt increase of 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural (5‐HMF) during AD‐DIC. There were significant correlations (P < 0.05) among moisture content (w.b.), water activity (a_w), water state, reduced ascorbic acid, DHAA, chlorogenic acid, procyanidin B₁, (+)‐catechin, (?)‐epicatechin and phlorizin during AD‐DIC. The colour difference showed that the major browning reaction of apple slices during the predrying process was enzymatic browning, while nonenzymatic browning played a crucial role on green‐red value (CIE a* value) during DIC.     

Fogging with antibrowning agents as an alternative to conventional immersion treatments to extend shelf life of mushrooms

Mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) is a highly perishable product and can be easily damaged when immersion in antibrowning solutions is performed; therefore, fogging application represents a less aggressive technique. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of different antibrowning agents (ascorbic acid, sodium metabisulphite and L-cysteine) applied by two methodologies (immersion and fogging) on the quality of mushrooms during storage at 5 °C. Weight losses, microstructural organisation, colour and texture changes were evaluated as quality indicators. Polyphenol oxidase activity, phenolic content and antioxidant activity were also evaluated. Fogging achieved browning inhibition without major changes in firmness, while immersion treatments inhibited browning but significant changes in firmness were found. Browning inhibition achieved by fogging showed similar results when compared to the conventional immersion treatments. Fogging has the advantage of being less aggressive than immersion while requiring a significantly smaller amount of antibrowning solution than traditional immersion.     

Enzymatic Browning in Apple Pulps

Enzymatic browning in Golden Delicious apple pulp was studied as related to degree of ripeness and temperature (3.5–31°C). Green apple pulp showed the highest rate of browning. This was attributable to differences in ascorbic acid (AA) content and polyphenoloxidase activity in young fruits. The rate of browning determined by CIE L* measurements followed complex temperature dependent kinetics, represented by a multiple linear effects with log time. Equal changes in L* parameter yielded straight lines in a log temperature vs log time plot. Inhibition with AA caused an initial slow rate of browning and a well defined break point associated with exhaustion of antioxidant properties of the AA. The greater the AA concentration the longer the initial period.     

Combined effect of microwave and ultrasonication treatments on the quality and stability of sugarcane juice during cold storage

The main objective of this study was to investigate the combined effect of microwave (MW) treatment (2450 MHz for 120 s), ultrasonication (US) (24 KHz, 20 °C for 20 min) and combined treatment (MW-US) on the quality and stability of sugarcane juice (SCJ) during 21 days of storage at 4 °C. The effect of the treatments and storage time on physicochemical, bioactive compounds (total phenolic, flavonoids and ascorbic acid content) and microbial analysis of SCJ. No significant (P < 0.05) changes were observed in °Brix, while there was an increase in pH and a decrease in titratable acidity in all treatments. Compared to US and MW, MW-US treatments was more effective in preserving colour attributes, total phenolic and flavonoids contents, ascorbic acid and antioxidant capacities of the SCJ during storage. The results regarding the microbial count indicate that more microbial safety and longer shelf life was achieved by MW-US. MW-US treatment is an effective technology for improving the safety and shelf life of SCJ by minimising quality changes, retaining bioactive compounds and reducing microbial growth during storage.     

Antioxidant responses in minimally processed celery during refrigerated storage

This work studies the effect of storage temperature (0, 4 and 10 °C) and time on the antioxidant capacity of cut celery packaged in polystyrene trays sealed with PVC film. Samples were taken at 0, 7, 14, 21 and 28 days of storage to determine total phenols, chlorogenic acid and ascorbic acid. The browning potential and antioxidant capacity of the product were also evaluated. The antioxidant power presented similar behaviour for the three temperatures tested, decreasing after the first 7 days and then increasing up to day 14. Such increase coincided with an elevation of the ascorbic acid content, which was stronger for higher temperatures. As a general conclusion, minimally processed celery retained its initial antioxidant capacity for a period of 21 days at 0 °C, showing the lowest levels of browning potential at this temperature.