Abstract

During the peeling, cutting, and shredding of wild root vegetables, the surface is exposed to air. This results in a rapid deterioration in quality and an increase in the potential of contamination by microorganisms, both of which reduce the shelf-life of wild root vegetables in retail markets. Thus, in this study, the effects of various washing treatments on the quality of wild root vegetables, including lotus root, burdock root, and bellflower root, were investigated at 10 and . Lotus root, burdock root and bellflower root were washed with 0.2% acetic acid (AA), 0.2% citric acid (CA), 500 ppm acidified sodium chlorite (ASC), and tap water (TW), which was used as a control, and stored at and . The changes in total plate counts, coliform groups, polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity, color, pH, and exterior appearance of the samples were then evaluated. The pH and initial microbial contamination levels were reduced when the root vegetables were washed with AA, CA, and ASC. In particular, initial population levels of total plate counts and coliform groups were not detected in lotus root and burdock root that had been washed with ASC and their growth was significantly (p when compared to the control (TW). In addition, the polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activities of the root vegetables washed with AA, CA and ASC were lower than that of root vegetables washed with TW. ASC was determined to be the most effective treatment for preventing microbial growth, tissue softening, and the development of browning and an unpleasant smell. At , the overall qualities of the wild root vegetables were maintained longer when compared to .

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.