Evaluation of heat and oxidative damage during storage of processed tomato products. I. Study of heat damage indices

The evolution of heat damage during storage of tomato pulp, puree and paste was studied by accelerated aging tests. Heat damage indices—5‐hydroxymethyl‐2‐furfural (HMF), furosine and colour changes (ΔE)—were evaluated for tomato products stored at 30, 40 and 50 °C for up to 90 days. Furosine and ΔE values increased following pseudo‐zero‐order kinetics, and the higher the solid content of the products, the higher were the rate constant values. HMF formation followed pseudo‐first‐order kinetics in tomato pulp and pseudo‐zero‐order kinetics in puree and paste samples. Data show that heat damage reactions in tomato products proceed even at room temperature, and the kinetic model provided can be used to predict changes occurring during shelf‐life. © 2002 Society of Chemical Industry     

A Fraction Conversion Kinetic Model for Thermal Degradation of Color in Red Chilli Puree and Paste

The kinetics of degradation of color was evaluated using a fraction conversion model during thermal treatment of red chilli puree at 60, 70, 80 and 90°C (up to 20 min) and storage of red chilli paste at 5, 25 and 37°C (up to 6 mo). Red chilli puree was subjected to heat treatment at different temperatures in a well-stirred water bath. Test samples were removed from the bath at selected time intervals (0-20 min after come-up), cooled immediately and analysed for color using a Hunterlab colorimeter. Chilli paste was prepared by a standard formulation by adding common salt (8%) and the required volume of citric acid to bring the pH to 4.0. The paste was thermally processed at 85°C for 15 min, filled into glass bottles and stored at selected temperatures for 6 mo. Red chilli color was expressed as a tristimulus combination value (L·a·b) as well as the total color difference (ΔE). The fraction conversion model adequately described the kinetic changes in both color values during thermal treatment of puree and storage of puree. The process activation energies were 24.2 and 24.8 kJ/mol, respectively, for ΔE and L·a·b during the thermal treatment, and during the storage the respective values were 24.1 and 25.0 18;kJ/mol. Up to the end of the 6-mo storage, the paste was microbiologically stable with no major changes in other physico-chemical characteristics.     

SEDIMENT FORMATION IN ASEPTICALLY PROCESSED AND PACKAGED MILK

Sediment formation in aseptically processed and packaged milk was investigated by determining initial sediment amount and sediment rate. Milkfat levels were 0.5, 1.5 and 3.2%. Processing temperature was 143°C and mean residence times in the holding tube were 0.75, 7.32, and 18.6 s. Overall heat transfer coefficients for the tubular heaters during processing were determined to provide an indirect measurement of the extent of fouling. At time intervals of 30–45 min a few packages were aseptically filled and stored at 4, 23 and 35°C for a 26 wk period. Initial sediment (≤ 1 wk) increased linearly with processing time for all process conditions. Sedimentation rates increased linearly with storage temperature. Fat level and increased thermal treatment due to increasing holding time had no significant effect on sediment formation. The formation of particles during storage was examined as both a physical diffusion type settling process and as a particle forming chemical reaction followed by settling.     

Effects of pre‐freezing,puree content and pasteurisation regime on colour stability of strawberry nectar made from puree

BACKGROUND: Heat treatment during processing of strawberry products has been proposed to negatively affect colour stability. Moreover, the role of enzymes with respect to colour stability is ambiguous when consulting the existing literature. The aim of the present study was to investigate the impact of various processing parameters (pre‐freezing, puree content, pasteurisation temperature and heating time) on the colour stability and anthocyanin monomer and L ‐ascorbic acid contents of strawberry nectars made from puree. In addition, the effect of different enzyme activities on colour stability during storage of strawberry nectars was investigated. RESULTS: Pre‐freezing of strawberries before processing had a significant positive effect on the colour stability of nectars made from puree. No significant effect on colour stability was found for higher puree contents. Increasing both the pasteurisation temperature and the heating time had a significant positive effect on colour stability. Results showed that colour degradation during storage was mainly due to residual enzyme activities. The shelf‐life of strawberry nectar could be extended about fivefold by adding an enzyme inhibitor. CONCLUSION: The colour stability of strawberry nectar made from fresh puree may be improved to some extent by an appropriate pasteurisation regime. Enzymes play an important role in colour degradation during storage of the nectar. Inactivation of these enzyme activities, however, could not be achieved even after a heat treatment at 90 °C for 60 min. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry     

Comparison of high pressure treatment and thermal pasteurization effects on the quality and shelf life of guava puree

The effects of high pressures and thermal pasteurization on the survival of microorganisms, enzyme inactivation and quality changes of guava puree during storage at 4°C were investigated and compared with untreated samples. After treatment at a pressure of 600MPa and 25°C for 15 min, the microorganisms in guava puree were inactivated to less than 10 cfu mL⁻¹ and the product exhibited no change in colour, pectin, cloud and ascorbic acid content as compared with fresh samples. The inactivation of enzymes in guava puree by thermal pasteurization was greater than by high pressures. The microbial count in guava puree reduced to 200 cfu mL⁻¹ and the product showed marked changes in viscosity, turbidity and colour when heated at 88–90°C for 24s. The content of pectin, cloud and ascorbic acid as well as colour in untreated and high pressurized (400MPa) guava puree gradually decreased, whereas these changes were not observed in pasteurized (88–90°C) and high pressurized (6000MPa) puree during storage at 4°C for 60 days. The guava puree treated at 600MPa and 25°C for 15 min retained good quality similar to the freshly extracted puree after storage at 4°C for 40 days.     

STORAGE DETERIORATION OF FREEZE-DRIED AVOCADO PUREE AND GUACAMOLE

SUMMARY— The effect of storage temperature, time and atmosphere on the chemical and organo-leptic characteristics of freeze-dried avocado puree and guacamole was studied using Waldin, Lula and Booth-8 varieties of avocado. Oxidation rates were slower at 21°C than at 38°% storage and nitrogen atmospheres reduced the peroxide formation. Significant differences existed in oxidation rates between avocado varieties and also between guacamole and avocado puree in some instances. A logarithmic relationship was found between peroxide values and storage time in air. Guacamole made with Lula avocados was unacceptable after 3 weeks of storage in air at 38°C. Samples stored in nitrogen at 38°C ware unacceptable at the end of 7 weeks. Samples stored in air at 21°Cwere acceptable after 12 weeks and those stored in nitrogen at 2l°C after 15 weeks. A commercial BHA antioxidant reduced the oxidation rate of Lula puree but did not increase shelf life in air storage at 38°C. Peroxide values were of no use in predicting acceptability, since organoleptic deterioration could occur without any peroxide increase.     

Colour degradation and rheology of green chilli puree during thermal processing

The kinetics of degradation of both green- and total-colour of green chilli puree was studied at selected temperatures (50–90 °C). A fractional conversion concept was applied to determine the kinetic parameters. The degradation of green- and total-colour followed first order reaction kinetics. In the case of green colour the data was based on changes in Hunter – a value while L  ×  a  ×  b was found to adequately represent total colour change. Dependence of the rate constant during heat treatment obeyed the Arrhenius relationship. The activation energy values for green- and total-colour degradation were 23.04 and 25.02 kJ mol^–1, respectively. These results indicated that total colour should be used as the quality indicator during thermal processing of green chilli puree. The pungency of green chilli puree decreased during thermal processing as the capsaicin content was reduced from 559 to 441 μg g^–1 while the Scoville heat unit decreased from 8500 to 7480. The puree behaved as a shear-thinning fluid and the flow activation energy at 100 r.p.m. equalled 19.22 kJ mol^–1.     

ORGANIC ACID PROFILES OF THERMALLY PROCESSED, STORED SPINACH PUREE

ABSTRACT— Deaerated spinach puree was packed into TDT tubes, flushed with nitrogen and sealed. The tubes were divided into batches and processed with an Fo = 4.9 at temperatures ranging from 240–300°F with 10°F increments. Analyses were carried out immediately after processing and after storage for 3 months at 75°F in the dark. Organic acids were analyzed by means of an Automatic Organic Acid Analyzer (AOAA) with confirmation by paper chromatography. Oxalic acid showed poor resolution on the AOAA; therefore, a chemical method was used for analysis. pH measurements were taken and color measured on a Hunterlab Model D25 Color Difference Meter. Catalase determinations were done on the stored samples. After processing, the greatest changes were noted at 240°F, with only minor changes above 280°F. Acetic and pyrrolidone-carboxylic acid (PCA) showed the most change after processing. After storage, the concentration of acids, color and pH was similar for all packs and all proved catalase negative. During storage succinic, PCA and acetic acids showed the greatest increase with the latter two increasing the most at higher temperatures. Also, during storage α-ketoglutaric acid disappeared and pyruvic, glutaric, oxaloacetic and malonic acids were formed at all processing temperatures.     

Efficacy of Pressure-Assisted Thermal Processing, in Combination with Organic Acids, against Bacillus amyloliquefaciens Spores Suspended in Deionized Water and Carrot Puree

ABSTRACT:  Effect of organic acids (acetic, citric, and lactic; 100 mM, pH 5) on spore inactivation by pressure-assisted thermal processing (PATP; 700 MPa and 105 °C), high pressure processing (HPP; 700 MPa, 35 °C), and thermal processing (TP; 105 °C, 0.1 MPa) was investigated.  Bacillus amyloliquefaciens  spores were inoculated into sterile organic acid solutions to obtain a final concentration of approximately 1.3 × 10⁸ CFU/mL.  B. amyloliquefaciens  spores were inactivated to undetectable levels with or without organic acids after 3 min PATP holding time. At a shorter PATP treatment time (approximately 2 min), the inactivation was greater when spores were suspended in citric and acetic acids than in lactic acid or deionized water. Presence of organic acids during PATP resulted in 33% to 80% germination in the population of spores that survived the treatment. In contrast to PATP, neither HPP nor TP, for up to 5 min holding time with or without addition of organic acids, was sporicidal. In a separate set of experiments, carrot puree was tested, as a low-acid food matrix, to study spore recovery during extended storage following PATP. Results showed that organic acids were effective in inhibiting spore recovery in treated carrot puree during extended storage (up to 28 d) at 32 °C. In conclusion, addition of some organic acids provided significant lethality enhancement ( P  < 0.05) during PATP treatments and suppressed spore recovery in the treated carrot puree.     

EFFECTS OF PASTEURIZATION OR SODIUM BENZOATE ON LONG-TERM STORAGE STABILITY OF PEACH PUREE

The effect of long-term storage on the stability of pasteurized (PA) or sodium benzoate (SB) (0.1%) treated peach puree was studied. Color, viscosity, soluble solids, pH, titratable acidity, sugars and organic acids were monitored over 4 months. Yeasts were the major microorganisms causing spoilage in nontreated peach puree. Storage at 2C increased the holding time of the control to 17 days compared with 3 days at 25C. No yeast or other microorganisms were found in PA or SB treated puree held at 2 and 25C, for 120 days; the most significant change observed was a gradual browning. Cold temperature storage slowed down the browning. Other compositional changes were minimal. Pasterurized or SB puree stored at 25C for 4 months showed a decrease in sucrose and an increase of glucose and fructose. Malic, citric and quinic acids were stabilized by SB. Pasteurization or use of SB may be valuable for holding partially processed peach puree.     

PROCESSING OF YOGURT-BASED PRODUCTS WITH PULSED ELECTRIC FIELDS: MICROBIAL, SENSORY AND PHYSICAL EVALUATIONS

Yogurt-based products similar to a dairy pudding dessert were formulated and processed by mild heat and pulsed electric fields (PEF) to investigate the effects of combined mild heat and PEF treatment on the microbial stability and quality of high viscosity foods. Commercial plain low fat yogurt was mixed with fruit jelly and corn syrup and processed by mild heat treatment at 60C for 30 s and 30 kV/cm electric field strength for 32 μs total treatment time using OSU-2C pilot plant scale PEF system. Control and processed products were aseptically packaged and stored at 4 and 22C. Mild heat combined with PEF treatment significantly decreased the total viable aerobic bacteria and total mold and yeast of yogurt-based products during storage at both 4 and 22C (P ≤ 0.05). Mild heat treatment alone without any PEF treatment did not prevent the growth of microorganisms in yogurt-based products. Sensory evaluation indicated that there was no significant difference between the control and processed products (P ≤ 0.05). Color, pH and °Brix were not significantly affected by mild heat and PEF processing conditions.     

Quality and consumer acceptance of radio frequency and traditional heat pasteurised kiwi puree during storage

To explore the feasibility of using radio frequency (RF) heating as a method to process kiwi puree, this study compared the effects of RF heating with traditional heat pasteurisation (TP) on various properties of kiwi puree. RF treatment completely inactivate of microbes in kiwi puree, with total aerobic bacteria counts (TAC) decreased by 4.81 log CFU mL^?1 and yeast and mould counts (YMC) decreased by 2.62 log CFU mL^?1, which are similar to TP treatment. During the 7 weeks’ storage, RF‐treated puree showed retarded growth of microbes. The pH, titratable acidity and °Brix values of RF‐treated samples were significantly different from those of the control. The vitamin C, total phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity of RF‐treated samples were significantly higher than those of TP‐treated samples during storage. RF‐treated sample retained better colour than TP‐treated sample throughout storage. The customer satisfaction analysis indicated that consumers prefer RF‐treated kiwi puree than TP‐treated samples. These findings suggest that RF heating has potential applications in processing of kiwi puree or similar products.     

Storage conditions affect quality of noodles with added soy flour and sweet potato

Summary Noodles were prepared from a formulation in which a portion of the flour was replaced with 10% defatted soy flour and sweet potato as 10% flour or 15% puree. Dried noodles were packaged in plastic bags under partial vacuum or air and stored at 4.4 °C or 22–30 °C for 6 months. Colour, β-carotene and sensory characteristics were analyzed at 2-month intervals. Packaging atmosphere had minor effects on colour. Stored noodles became lighter and yellower, and β-carotene decreased, with all changes being greater at 22–30 °C. Storage conditions influenced acceptability scores minimally. Noodles were stored successfully under air with greater quality retention with 4.4 °C storage.     

Comparison of Viability and Heat Resistance of Clostridium sporogenes Stored at Different Temperatures

ABSTRACT:  The objective of this study was to determine the influence of storage temperature on the viability and heat resistance of Clostridium sporogenes spores. Spore suspension containing both spores and vegetative cells was divided into 3 groups to be stored at different temperatures of −20 (freezing), 4 (refrigerating), and 25 °C (ambient temperature). Samples stored for different times within the 2 mo were tested for viability by comparison of colony counts on plates and for heat resistance by determining D values at 121 °C. No significant differences were found in the viability of vegetative cells during the storage period, regardless of storage temperatures tested, while the viability of the spores stored for more than 4 wk was significantly higher at 4 °C than at −20 °C. The heat resistance of spores stored at 4 °C for more than 4 wk was remarkably higher than that at 25 °C, but similar to that at −20 °C throughout the storage period. Consequently, it turned out that a refrigerating temperature of 4 °C is satisfactory for storage of C. sporogenes spores in maintaining viability and heat resistance. This study suggests that storage temperature influences the viability and heat resistance of C. sporogenes spores.     

Colour changes in thermally processed cupuaçu (Theobroma grandiflorum) puree: critical times and kinetics modelling

Summary Colour changes in thermally treated cupuaçu ( Theobroma grandiflorum ) fruit puree were modelled mathematically. Isothermal experiments in the temperature range of 80–115 °C were performed and colour was measured by a tristimulus colorimeter. At each temperature total colour difference (TCD*) increased and normalized L* decreased with processing time, both following a power law model. The power of the model was temperature-dependent and described by the Arrhenius law. To estimate the model constants, a one-step non-linear regression was performed on all data. Activation energies of 31 and 36 kJ/mol were determined for TCD* and normalized L*, respectively. These results should prove useful in the design of pasteurization processes which minimize colour changes in cupuaçu puree.     

Storage effects on anthocyanins, phenolics and antioxidant activity of thermally processed conventional and organic blueberries

BACKGROUND: Consumer demand for products rich in phytochemicals is increasing as a result of greater awareness of their potential health benefits. However, processed products are stored for long‐term and the phytochemicals are susceptible to degradation during storage. The objective of this study was to assess the storage effects on phytochemicals in thermally processed blueberries. Thermally processed canned berries and juice/puree were analysed for phytochemicals during their long‐term storage. RESULTS: The phytochemical retention of thermally processed blueberries during storage was not influenced by production system (conventional versus organic). During 13 months of storage, total anthocyanins, total phenolics and total antioxidant activity in canned blueberry solids decreased by up to 86, 69 and 52% respectively. In canned blueberry syrup, total anthocyanins and total antioxidant activity decreased by up to 68 and 15% respectively, while total phenolic content increased by up to 117%. Similar trends in phytochemical content were observed in juice/puree stored for 4 months. The extent of changes in phytochemicals of thermally processed blueberries during storage was significantly influenced by blanching. CONCLUSION: Long‐term storage of thermally processed blueberries had varying degrees of influence on degradation of total anthocyanins, total phenolics and total antioxidant activity. Blanching before thermal processing helped to preserve the phytochemicals during storage of blueberries. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

Retaining Green Pigments on Thermally Processed Peels-on Green Pears

ABSTRACT: The interest in developing peels-on thermally processed (canned) green pears has prompted the investigation of retaining green pigments during thermal processes. Use of zinc ions as a processing aid for the retention of green pigment and surface pretreatment to remove waxy layer and a part of the top cuticle layer of the peels for enhancing reactions of zinc ions with chlorophylls in peel tissues were studied. Whole pears or pear chunks were subjected to zinc treatment during presoaking in 5200 ppm Zn²⁺ solutions for 60 min or blanching at 94 °C for 6, 12, and 18 min in a 1300, 2600, or 5200 ppm Zn²⁺ solution for identifying the most appropriate procedures for retaining green peel pigments. Pears were then thermally processed in glass jars at 94 °C for 20 min after commercial canning. Canned pears were subjected to an accelerated shelf life test in rooms set at 10 °C, 21 °C, and 38 °C under fluorescent light. CIELAB L *, a *, and b * color values of pear samples were monitored during storage up to 35 wk. Results showed that surface pretreatment is essential for ensuring the reactions of zinc ions with green pigments, thus retaining green pigment during thermal treatment. Blanching pears in zinc solution containing about 1300 ppm Zn²⁺ was effective in obtaining attractive green-colored canned pears. Hue angle and - a * (greenness) values of canned pears were significantly ( P < 0.05) associated with blanching time and zinc concentration in blanching solutions, and remained stable over 19 wk of storage under intensive illumination at all 3 temperatures. The technology used zinc ions as a processing aid, thus significantly minimizing the zinc content in the final processed pears.     

TEMPERATURE ACCLIMATION OF ATLANTIC COD (GADUS MORHUA) AND ITS INFLUENCE ON FREEZING POINT AND BIOCHEMICAL DAMAGE OF POSTMORTEM MUSCLE DURING STORAGE AT 0° and -3°C

The freezing point of muscle fluid from Newfoundland Atlantic cod held at ambient sea water temperature was as low as - 1.30°C in March and as high as - 0.80°C in July. Muscle fluid from cod held live at 0°C for 3 weeks had a freezing point of - 1.02°C in contrast to a muscle fluid freezing point of - 0.90°C for cod acclimated at 10°C prior to sacrifice. Muscle fluid from cold acclimated cod exhibited 0.40°C thermal hysteresis indicating freezing point depression was influenced by antifreeze substances. The following indices of deterioration were measured in muscle sections stored at 0°C or - 3°C for 21 days: extractable protein (EP), free drip (FD), extracellular area (EA), trimethylamineoxide (TMAO), trimethylamine (TMA), dimethylamine (DMA), free amino acids (AA), and pH. Muscle sections at the anterior end of fillets, from myotomes 9–20, prepared using aseptic technique and treated with antibiotic showed less evidence of biochemical deterioration: (a) when stored at - 3°C compared to 0°C with respect to EP, AA, EA; (b) when prepared from fish acclimated at 0°C compared to at 10°C and stored at 0°C or - 3°C with respect to EP, EA, FD, AA. Negligible changes in pH, TMA and DMA occurred during 21 days storage at either temperature. TMAO decreased more during storage at-3°C than at 0°C.     

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.     

Degradation of anthocyanins from blood orange juices

Summary The degradation of anthocyanic pigments of fresh and industrial juices from blood oranges were studied during storage periods of a few days at −18 °C and 12 months at 4 °C in nitrogen. The change of anthocyanin pigments was followed by HPLC at 520 nm while the coloured polymeric pigments were fractionated by chromatography and characterized by their transformation indices and their reactivity with NaHSO₃. The results show that the process of polymerization is accompanied by production of chemical indicators of sugar and ascorbic acid degradation (furfural and hydroxymethylfurfural). It seems that the resulting polymeric compounds have structures different from those of the compounds formed during wine processing. Reactions between anthocyanic pigments and the intermediates of degradation of sugar and ascorbic acid in an acidic environment are the main causes of formation of these polymers.