Quality Retention Enhancement in Canned Potato and Radish Using Reciprocating Agitation Thermal Processing

Abstract

Abstract This study focusses on evaluating the effects of reciprocating agitation thermal processing (RA-TP) on the quality of canned potato cubes and whole radish packed in brine solution (1 % NaCl+1 % CaCl2 solution). Experimental cans were subjected to RA-TP in a lab-scale steam retort at different temperatures (110–130 °C) and reciprocation frequencies (0–3 Hz). Color, texture, antioxidant activity and solids leached into the liquid were evaluated to characterize the quality of processed product. RA-TP resulted in superior quality retention in processed vegetables as compared to static retort (0 Hz) due to the associated shorter (up to 70 %) process times. In general, higher operating temperatures and reciprocation frequencies resulted in better retention of color and antioxidant activity. However, RA-TP also increased texture damage and nutrients/solids leaching, but these negative effects were milder at higher process temperatures. Therefore, high-temperature and high agitation frequency RA-TP concept with shorter process time could be effectively used for better quality retention. The optimal product quality was obtained at 130 °C retort temperature and 3.0 Hz reciprocation frequency for whole radish and at 130 °C retort temperature and 1.5 Hz reciprocation frequency for potato cubes.