Multivariate analysis of fresh-cut carambola slices stored under different temperatures

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Use of modified atmosphere to extend shelf life of fresh-cut carambola (Averrhoa carambola L. cv. Fwang Tung)

Fresh-cut fruit products, including carambola (Averrhoa carambola L.), have limited marketability due to cut surface browning attributed to phenolic compound oxidation by enzymes, such as polyphenol oxidase (PPO). The objective of this study was to evaluate postharvest changes in carambola slices in three different packages. Carambola fruit (cv. Fwang Tung) were picked from the Estacao Experimental de Citricultura de Bebedouro orchard at the mature-green stage. The fruit were washed, dipped in NaOCl solution (200 mg L-1 for 5 min), stored overnight at 10 degrees C, then manually sliced into pieces of approximately 1 cm. The slices were rinsed with NaOCl solution at 20 mg L-1, drained for 3 min, and packaged in polyethylene terephthalate (PET) trays (Neoform (R) N94); polystyrene trays covered with PVC 0.017 turn (Vitafilm (R), Goodyear); and vacuum seated polyolefin bags (PLO, Cryovac (R) PD900). The packages were stored at 6.8 degrees C and 90% RH for 12 d, with samples taken every 4 d. PET trays and PVC film did not significantly modify the internal atmosphere and the high water permeability of PVC led to more rapid slice desiccation. PPO activity was lower when the slices were packaged in PLO vacuum sealed bags, which reduced degreening and led to better appearance maintenance for up to 12 d. (R) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Impact of atmosphere, organic acids, and calcium on quality of fresh-cut 'Kensington' mango

Fresh-cut slices from ripe 'Kensington' mango (Mangifera indica L.) were prepared aseptically and stored under various treatments at 3 degrees C. Treatments included reduced oxygen (2.5%), enhanced carbon dioxide (5-40%), organic acid application, calcium chloride application, and combinations of the above. Symptoms limiting shelf-life were characterised by tissue darkening, development of a 'glassy' appearance, surface desiccation, and loss of firmness. Reduced oxygen (2.5%) was effective at controlling tissue darkening and the development of a 'glassy' appearance, while calcium application (3%) was partly effective at controlling darkening. Calcium chloride however significantly slowed (but did not stop) loss of tissue firmness. Carbon dioxide (5-40%) and citric acid had little positive effect on shelf-life, with both treatments appearing to promote tissue softening. A combination of low oxygen and calcium allowed 'Kensington' slices to be held for at least 15 days at 3 degrees C. (C) 2006 Elsevier B.V All rights reserved.

Production and preservation of fresh-cut 'Tommy Atkins' mango chunks

During the 1999/00 and 2000/01 seasons, sliced 'Tommy Atkins' mangoes were packaged with three different types of polymeric films; polypropylene (PP) cups, low-density polyethylene (LPDE) bags or polyethylene terephthalate (PET) clamshell trays, and stored at 3°C for 2 weeks. The mango chunks were evaluated for flavor, appearance, colour, total soluble solids (TSS), total titratable acidity (TTA), ascorbic acid (AA) contents, O2 and CO 2 concentration in the packages, as well as respiration. Shelf life based on visual appearance was 14 days, with the products showing good appearance and agreeable aroma. The TTA content in chunks packaged in PP cups or PET trays were reduced during the storage, and with the color changing from light yellow to dark yellow. The chunks respiration in PP cups or LPDE bags were 64.6 and 87.9 mL CO2.kg-1.h-1, and in PP cups or PET trays were 45.86 and 43.92 mL CO2.kg-1.h -1, respectively for 1999/00 and 2000/01 seasons. The percentages of O2 and CO2 in the packages were stabilized after 2-4 hours, and the atmosphere had 11-17% and 1-10% of them. The microbiological content was lower than the allowed. No differences were observed between the seasons, and the best packages were the cups.

Use of carambola (Averrhoa carambola L. 'Fwang Tung') fruit at two stages of maturity for fresh-cut products

Carambola fruit ('Fwang Tung') were picked at two stages of maturity: mature-green (50% yellow) and mature (100% yellow). Fruit were washed with water, dipped in NaOCl solution (200 mg.L-1 for 5 minutes), and stored over night at 10°C. Fruit were sliced manually in to pieces of approximately 1 cm thickness. Slices were rinsed with NaOCl solution at 20 mg.L-1, drained for 3 minutes, and packaged in polyethylene tereftalate (PET) trays provided with a fit cover (Neoform® N94). Packages were stored at 6.5°C and 85% RH for 9 days, and samples taken every 3 days for physical, chemical and biochemical analysis, respiration, and internal atmosphere composition. Immediately after cutting, slices at both stages of maturity showed a wounding response with a 5-fold increase in respiration rate. Polygalacturonase (PG) and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity did not differ between stages of maturity. Despite the less mature stage being less preferred at the sensory evaluation owing to its greenish peel, the best stage of maturity for carambola fresh-cut production was mature-green, due to a higher resistance to cutting, and presenting a better colour and appearance maintenance for up to 9 days.

Respiratory and storage behavior of fresh cut 'Tommy Atkins' mango

The respiratory and storage behavior of fresh cut 'Tommy Atkins' mango, naturally ripened (NR) or with use of ethylene (RE), were studied. Fruits were selected, washed and disinfected (200 mgCl.L-1) and stored for 12 hours at 10°C. After this period, they were processed under hygienic conditions at 10°C, packaged in polyethylene terephthalate (PET) trays or in styrofoam trays wrapped with stretchable polyvinyl chloride (PVC) film and stored for up to 15 days at 3°C. The products were evaluated regarding the evolution of internal atmosphere in the packing (O2 and CO 2), development of weight, appearance, shelf life and consumer acceptability. The respiratory rate was measured before and after processing every two hours. The yield of 'Tommy Atkins' mango to produce fresh cut product was 48.09±0.95%. Increase of the respiration rate of both mango samples was verified one hour after the preparation (NR = 17.75 mL CO 2.kg-1.h-1; RE = 28.29 mL CO 2.kg-1.h-1), followed by stabilization at 3.76 and 8.07 mL CO2/kg.h, respectively. The percentage of O2 in packages was stable in all treatments, 15-20% in PVC trays, 18-20% in PET tray. The percentage of CO2 was steady around 1.5-2.5%. The products lost fresh mass during the storage, from 0.06% to 0.30% for PET trays and from 0.15% to 1.61% for trays covered with PVC. The appearance was considered appropriate for commercialization until the 13th day, whereas product from mangoes ripened with application of ethylene was for 11 days, presenting browning in the external surface. The naturally ripened mango presented the best flavor and consumer preference in relation to the mango ripened with application of ethylene for 11 days of storage. The control of hygienic conditions during the production and storage was good and with safety for until 10 days.

Use of modified atmosphere to extend shelf life of fresh-cut carambola (Averrhoa carambola L. cv. Fwang Tung)

Fresh-cut fruit products, including carambola (Averrhoa carambola L.) have limited marketability due to cut surface browning attributed to oxidation of phenolic compounds by enzymes such as polyphenol oxidase (PPO). The objective of this study was to evaluate postharvest changes of carambola slices in three different packagings. Carambola fruit (cv. Fwang Tung) were picked from the orchard of Estação Experimental de Citricultura de Bebedouro at mature-green stage. Fruit were washed, dipped in NaOCl solution (200 mg.L -1 for 5 minutes), and stored overnight at 10°C. Fruit were manually sliced into pieces of approximately 1 cm. Slices were rinsed with NaOCl solution at 20 mg.L-1, drained for 3 minutes, and packaged in polyethylene terephthalate (PET) trays (Neoform N94); polystyrene trays covered with PVC 0.017 mm (Vitafilm - Goodyear); and vacuum sealed polyolefin bags (PLO, Cryovac PD900). The packages were stored at 6.8°C and 90%RH for 12 days and samples taken every 4 days. PET trays and PVC film did not significantly modify internal atmosphere and the high water permeability of PVC led to more rapid slice desiccation. PPO activity was lower when slices were packaged in PLO vacuum sealed bags, which reduced discolouration and led to better appearance maintenance for up to 12 days.

Effect of natural antimicrobials on microbiological and sensorial quality of fresh-cut cantaloupe melon

The effect of different natural antimicrobials on the microbiological and sensorial quality of fresh-cut Cantaloupe melons stored up to 10 days at 5°C was examined. Pieces of melon were washed for 1 min at 5ºC in water (control), vanillin (1000 mg/L and 2000 mg/L) or cinnamic acid (148.16 mg/L and 296.32 mg/L). Other antimicrobial treatments consisted of packaging the pieces of melon with an antimicrobial pad which contained cinnamic acid (148.16 mg/L and 296.32 mg/L). After 10 days of storage, significant differences among antimicrobials treatments and water treatment were found. In water treatment, the psychrotroph load was 3.63 ± 0.09 log cfu g-1 meanwhile on all antimicrobial treatments the values ranged from 3.04 ±0.13 log cfu g-1 to 3.28±0.1 log cfu g-1. Mesophilic growth in the control treatment averaged 6.79±0.06 log cfu g-1 meanwhile on antimicrobial treatments the counts were from 5.15±0.01 log cfu g-1 to 5.30±0.03 log cfu g-1. Total coliform levels were 7.8±0.1 log cfu g-1 when melon was washed in water, followed by washing with cinnamon (296.32 mg/L) at 6.5 log cfu g-1 and for the rest of the treatments were around 5.5 log cfu g-1. The treatments did not display differences among mould and yeast growth after 10 days of storage. The sensorial quality decreased throughout storage. However, at the end of storage, the scores ranged between 6.5 and 7, above the minimum level for marketability (level 5). Sensorial panelist noted a ‘sweet’ taste when vanillin was used as sanitizer. In all antimicrobial treatments, no relation was found between a higher dose and a higher microbial reduction. So, vanillin at 1000 mg/L in water or cinnamic acid at 148.16 mg/L provided in water dip or as a pad inside the trays could be optimal natural sanitizers to substitute the use of chlorine in fresh-cut products as Cantaloupe melon.

Cultivar affects browning susceptibility of freshly cut star fruit slices

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Melão amarelo (CAC) minimamente processado submetido a diferentes cortes e concentrações de cloreto de cálcio armazenado em atmosfera modificada passiva

The aim of this work was to evaluate the quality of yellow melon inodorus Valenciano Amarelo (CAC) fresh cut submitted to two cut types and with application postharvest of calcium chloride. After preparation cubes and slices melon were immersed in solution with different calcium chloride (CaCl2) concentrations for two minutes, afterwards they were conditioned in trays of expanded polystyrene (EPS), covered by plastic film of low density polyethylene (PEBD), stored in cold camera to 5 degrees C +/- 1 and analyzed for 8 days. They were evaluated pH, firmness, tritable acidity (AT), soluble solids (SS) sugar reducer and ratio. The pH values varied from 5.27 to 5.68. The sugars reducers content and the ratio were superior in the slices compared to the cubes. The melon slices maintained larger firmness values compared to the cubes and in general there was reduction in the values of this parameter along the storage period for all treatments. Concentrations of 1.0 and 1.5% of CaCl2, result in larger values of firmness. The storage temperature and modified passive atmosphere they contributed to quality maintenance of MP melon. Concentrations of up to 1.0% of CaCl2 they could be recommended to maintain the melon quality MP melon yellow inodorus (CAC).

Qualidade de abóbora minimamente processada armazenada em atmosfera modificada ativa

The active modified atmosphere effect was evaluated in the quality of squash fresh-cut (MP).. The squash pieces were conditioned in plastic packings and submitted the gases application in the following concentrations: 0.03% CO2 and 21% O-2 (controls T1); 5% CO2 and 4% O-2 (T2); 6% CO2 and 4% O-2 (T3); 7% CO2 and 4% O-2 (T4); 8% CO2 and 4% O-2 (T5). In T6 it was made vacuum application in the packing. The packings containing the squash were stored in to the temperature of 10 degrees C and relative humidity of 75% for 12 days. The evaluated analyses were weigth loss, total acidity (AT), pH, soluble solids (SS), ratio, firmness, color, antioxidant activity for DPPH and carotenoids content. The weigth loss was gradual and low until the ninth day of storage. The values of AT increased along the experimental period being superior for T1 and T2. The increase of SS during the storage of the fresh-cut squash went smaller for T3 and T4. The brightness stayed during the storage being superior for T5, already the color components red and yellow decreased along the experimental period.

Processamento mínimo de mamão 'formosa'

Este trabalho foi conduzido para verificar o efeito do tamanho do corte, 2,5 x 2,5cm (corte 1) e 2,5 x 5,0cm (corte 2), e da temperatura de armazenamento (3, 6 e 9ºC), na velocidade da modificação da atmosfera ambiente e nas características químicas de mamões do grupo `Formosa' minimamente processados e embalados em copos plásticos (500ml). A concentração de CO2 no interior destes copos aumentou 2 a 3 vezes, durante as primeiras 6 horas após o corte, para depois diminuir e se estabilizar. Esta concentração aumentou com o aumento da temperatura de armazenamento. A umidade dos pedaços diminuiu consideravelmente nos dois primeiros dias, e a temperatura que melhor conservou a umidade foi a de 6ºC. A acidez total titulável foi menor no corte 2, com as maiores reduções a 6 e 9oC. Os teores de sólidos solúveis totais não variaram entre os tratamentos, e os cuidados higiênicos adotados durante o processamento permitiram a obtenção de produtos com baixa contagem microbiana, 10³UFC.g-1 nos pedaços armazenados a 9ºC após sete dias, e com boa manutenção da qualidade sensorial das mesmas. Estes resultados permitem indicar o mamão `Formosa' para a produção de produtos minimamente processados, na forma de pedaços, com conservação refrigerada (3 e 6ºC ) por um período de 7 dias.

Minimally processed guava fruits (Psidium guajava L.)

'Paluma' guavas, after internal quality evaluation using magnetic resonance tomography, were used to produce fresh-cut product. Fruits were peeled or not, cut in halves and seed removed, and they were packaged in polystyrene trays covered with PVC film or in a PET container with a lid. These packages were stored for 12 days at 5 degrees C, 10 degrees C and ambient temperature (22.6 degrees C). Tomography evaluation verified that impacts produced internal bruising with loss of cellular integrity and liquefication of the placenta tissues. Compression was more evident on the pericarp and cutting promoted superficial deformation. Storage temperature affected the weight loss, with fruit packaged in the polystyrene tray having a greater weight loss. The peeling did not influence weight loss. Product stored at 5 degrees C and 10 degrees C for 8 days had low microbial growth (< 10(3) UFC.g(-1)) and no coliforms. Rapid spoilage and a short shelf life (3-4 days) occurred when the product was stored at ambient temperature. Peeling reduced ascorbic acid concentration and total soluble solids. Use of calcium to protect fresh-cut products was not efficient. Calcium absorption capacity of 'Pedro Sato' guava was tested using Ca-45. Fruits treated with 2% CaCl2, with or without the radioisotope, were divided in four layers (epicarp, mesocarp, endocarp and seed) and analyzed for the total and Ca-45 calcium. It was observed that the applied calcium remained in superficial layers of fruits, which was confirmed by autoradiography. Internal layers did not contain Ca-45, indicating that calcium was not distributed into different parts of the fruit.

Postharvest Storage of 'Ponkan', 'Satsuma Okitusu' and 'Fremont' Tangerines and Their Minimally Processed Products Using Refrigeration and Controlled Atmosphere

This study aimed to evaluate the postharvest conservation of tangerines 'Fremont', 'Satsuma Okitsu' and 'Ponkan' when stored at different conditions, as well as the quality of the minimally processed product. Fruit were harvested when a sugar: acid ratio of 10.0 to 12.0 for 'S. Okitsu' and 'Fremont' and 16.0 to 19.0 for 'Ponkan' was reached, selected for uniformity of color, size, and absence of injuries. Whole fruits were stored at 3 degrees C, 85% RH and 7 degrees C, 95% RH, and after each storage period, fruits were brought to ambient conditions (22 degrees C, 65% RH) for 3 days before evaluation. The minimally processed products (peeled) were packed in polystyrene trays (22.4x14.8x3.7 cm) coated with polyvinyl chloride (PVC) stretchable, with 0.014 mm thickness, and in lidded packages (500 ml) of transparent polyethylene terephthalate. Fruit were analyzed for appearance, weight loss, respiratory rate, package atmosphere, rind and pulp color, soluble solids, titratable acidity and ascorbic acid content. Shelf life of tangerine 'Fremont' was limited to 42 days based on freshness. Its minimally processed product had a 9 day shelf-life for products packaged in PVC film. The mandarins 'S. Okitsu' had 35 days shelf-life at 7 degrees C, which was reduced to 28 days at 3 degrees C. Its fresh-cut product had a shelf-life of 15 days, stored in PVC or PET. 'Ponkan' fruit stored at 3 degrees C had a shelf life of 35 days, which was reduced to 28 days at 7 degrees C. When minimally processed, its shelf-life lasted for 15 days, whether packaged in PVC or PET. The 'Ponkan' had a shelf-life of 35 days at 3 degrees C and 28 days at 7 degrees C, also limited by loss of freshness. When minimally processed and stored in PVC or PET, its shelf life reached 15 days.

Response of minimally processed carambola to chemical treatments and low-oxygen atmospheres

Fresh-cut carambola (Averrhoa carambola L.) has limited marketability due to cut-surface browning. The effect of chemical treatments (ascorbic acid, citric acid and Ca-EDTA), controlled atmosphere (0.4-20.3% O-2) and the association of these processes was investigated. Post-cutting dip and low-oxygen atmospheres did not prevent discoloration or improve sensory and physicochemical parameters. However, ascorbic acid (0.5% and 1%) dips reduced polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity during storage at 4.5 degrees C, with 1% ascorbic acid inducing the lowest activity. Although cut-surface browning of 'Maha' slices was not relevant, carambola slices treated with 1% ascorbic acid in association with 0.4% oxygen did not present significant browning or loss of visual quality for up to 12 days, 3 days longer than low oxygen alone (0.4% O-2), thus, their quality can be significantly improved by combining both treatments. (c) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.