Abstract
ABSTRACTMold‐induced cucumber softening was prevented in air‐purged fermentations by 0.16% acetic acid (equilibrated). Cucumber softening and pectate depolymerase activity increased in air‐purged fermentations when the level of acid was decreased to 0.12% and below. Mold‐induced softening was prevented in natural (not acidified) fermentations by delaying purging until indigenous microflora had reduced the brine pH to 4.0. Direct contact of air bubbles and cucumbers was not a requirement for subsurface mold growth. In air‐purged commercial brines softening was evidenced by soft spots and skin blisters on cucumbers acidified with 0.05 and 0.0%, but not with 0.16%, acetic acid. In broth culture, growth of four mold isolates from soft cucumbers was inhibited by 0.3% acetic (pH 4.0) but not by up to 0.9% lactic acid (pH 3.0) at 5.3% NaCl.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
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 callDisclaimer: 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.
