Fresh-cut Cantaloupe Research Articles

Effect of Vacuum-Steam-Vacuum Treatment on Microbial Quality of Whole and Fresh-Cut Cantaloupe

Minimally processed fruits and vegetables have a limited shelf life because of deterioration caused by spoilage microflora and physiological processes. Cutting may increase microbial spoilage of fruits through transfer of microflora on the outer surfaces to the interior tissue. The objectives of this study were to use the vacuum-steam-vacuum (VSV) process to reduce indigenous spoilage microflora on the surface of cantaloupes and to investigate the effects of such treatments on transfer of spoilage microflora from the cantaloupe surface to the fresh-cut melon during rind removal and cutting. Whole cantaloupes were treated in the VSV processor, and fresh-cut pieces prepared from treated and control samples were stored at 5 and 10°C for up to 9 days. Presence and growth of mesophilic bacteria, yeasts and molds, and Pseudomonas spp. were determined in fresh-cut samples during storage. Texture and color (CIE L*, a*, and b*) also were measured during storage. VSV treatment resulted in a 1.0-log reduction of aerobic mesophilic bacteria, a 2.0-log reduction of yeasts and molds, and a 1.5-log reduction of Pseudomonas spp. on cantaloupe surfaces. VSV treatment significantly reduced transfer of yeasts and molds and Pseudomonas spp. from whole cantaloupe surface to fresh-cut pieces during preparation (P < 0.05). Texture and color of the fresh-cut pieces prepared from the VSV-treated whole melons were similar to those of the controls. The results of this study indicate that the use of the VSV process to reduce the surface populations of yeasts and molds and Pseudomonas spp. on whole cantaloupes will reduce subsequent transfer of these microbes to fresh-cut pieces and enhance the microbial quality of the fresh-cut product.

Effect of Malic and Lactic Acid Incorporated Soy Protein Coatings on the Sensory Attributes of Whole Apple and Fresh-Cut Cantaloupe

ABSTRACT: Whole apples and fresh-cut cantaloupe cubes were coated with soy protein + glycerol (SP) films and 2 other films that were demonstrated to have antimicrobial activity in model system, SP + malic acid (MSP), and SP + lactic acid (LSP). Treated apples and cantaloupe cubes were stored at 5°C, and the sensory properties were evaluated with a trained descriptive analysis panelists. Texture and color were also measured with instruments. The sourness of SP-coated apples was lower than non-coated, MSP-coated, and LSP-coated apples after 28 d of storage. The sweetness of the LSP-coated cantaloupe cubes was higher than the non-coated and the MSP-coated samples at 7 d. The sensory evaluation of the MSP and LSP coatings on the apples and the cantaloupe cubes showed no significant difference in the other attributes of taste and appearance. Although instrumental measurements showed that hardness of the coated apples was higher than that of the non-coated ones, the panelists did not detect the differences. Instrumental measurements also showed that the hardness of the SP-coated cantaloupe cubes was lower than the non-coated, LSP-coated, and MSP-coated cantaloupe cubes, and the panelists did not detect the differences. The color of the apples evaluated by panelists was correlated with instrumental color measurements. Organic acid incorporated films (MSP and LSP) did not adversely impact the sensory properties of the tested products. Malic and lactic acids incorporated soy protein film that can be used to coat the whole apple and the fresh-cut cantaloupes without affecting the sensory properties.

Effect of time before storage and storage temperature on survival of Salmonella inoculated on fresh-cut melons

The effects of a waiting period at room temperature (∼22 °C) before refrigerating fresh-cut watermelon, cantaloupe and honeydew pieces contaminated with Salmonella on survival of the inoculated pathogen were investigated. Whole cantaloupes, honeydew melons and watermelons were washed with water, and fresh-cut pieces from individual melons were prepared and inoculated with a five strain cocktail of Salmonella at 10 5 cfu/ml. Populations of aerobic mesophilic bacteria, yeast and mold and Pseudomonas spp. were higher for fresh-cut cantaloupe than for fresh-cut watermelon and honeydew immediately after preparation. Populations of Salmonella, aerobic mesophilic bacteria, yeast and mold and Pseudomonas ssp. in fresh-cut melons left at room temperature for up to 5 h before refrigeration were significantly ( P < 0.05 ) higher than populations in fresh-cut melons stored at 5 °C immediately after preparation. Populations of Salmonella recovered in fresh-cut melon after inoculation with the cocktail of Salmonella strains averaged 2 log 10 cfu/g for all three types of melons. Populations in fresh-cut watermelon and honeydew pieces declined by 1 log when stored immediately at 5 °C for 12 days, while the populations in fresh-cut cantaloupe did not show significant ( P > 0.05 ) changes. Populations of Salmonella in fresh-cut melons stored immediately at 10 °C for 12 days increased significantly ( P < 0.05 ) from 2.0 to 3.0 log 10 cfu/g in watermelon, 1.9 to 3.0 log 10 cfu/g in honeydew and 2.0 to 3.6 log 10 cfu/g in cantaloupe pieces. Holding freshly prepared, contaminated fresh-cut melon pieces at 22 °C for 3 h or more prior to refrigerated storage would increase the chances of Salmonella proliferation, especially if the fresh-cut melons were subsequently stored at an abusive temperature.

Combination of Hot-Water Surface Pasteurization of Whole Fruit and Low-Dose Gamma Irradiation of Fresh-Cut Cantaloupe

Improvements in methods for disinfecting fresh-cut cantaloupe could reduce spoilage losses and reduce the risk of food-borne illness from human pathogen contamination. The objective of this study was to investigate the feasibility of using hot-water treatment in combination with low-dose irradiation to reduce native microbial populations while maintaining the quality of fresh-cut cantaloupe. Whole cantaloupes were washed in tap water at 20 or 76°C for 3 min. Fresh-cut cantaloupe cubes, prepared from the washed fruit, were then packaged in clamshell containers, and half the samples were exposed to 0.5 kGy of gamma radiation. Native microflora populations and sensory qualities were evaluated during the subsequent 7 days of storage at 4°C. The hot-water surface pasteurization reduced the microflora population by 3.3 log on the surface of whole fruits, resulting in a lower microbial load on the fresh-cut cubes compared with cubes cut from fruit treated with cold water. Irradiation of cubes prepared from untreated fruit to an absorbed dose of 0.5 kGy achieved a low microbial load similar to that of cubes prepared from hot-water-treated fruit. The combination of the two treatments was able to further reduce the microflora population. During storage, the headspace atmosphere of the packages was not significantly influenced by any of the treatments. Color, titratable acidity, pH, ascorbic acid, firmness, and drip loss were not consistently affected by treatment with irradiation, hot water, or the combination of the two. Cubes prepared from hot-water-treated whole fruit had slightly lower soluble solids content. The combination of hot-water pasteurization of whole cantaloupe and low-dose irradiation of packaged fresh-cut melon can reduce the population of native microflora while maintaining the quality of this product.

Effects of Low‐dose Electron Beam Irradiation on Respiration, Microbiology, Texture, Color, and Sensory Characteristics of Fresh‐cut Cantaloupe Stored in Modified‐atmosphere Packages

ABSTRACTFresh‐cut cantaloupe was placed in modified‐atmosphere packages (4% oxygen, 10% carbon dioxide) and irradiated at 0 (control), 0.5, and 1.0 kGy. Irradiated samples had a lower and more stable rate of respiration than non‐irradiated samples over about 20 d. Total plate counts were higher (P &lt; 0.05) in non‐irradiated control samples through day 11 (Trial 1) and for all dates tested (Trial 2). Color and texture remained stable for the duration of each study as measured by instruments and trained sensory panels. Sensory evaluation rated the 1.0‐kGy sample highest in “sweetness” and “cantaloupe flavor intensity” and lowest in “off‐flavor” after 17 (±3) d of storage. Low‐dose electron beam irradiation of fresh‐cut cantaloupe with modified‐atmosphere packaging offers promise as a method of extending shelf life.

Effect of Cutting and Storage on Acetate and Nonacetate Esters in Convenient, Ready-to-eat Fresh-cut Melons and Apples

Examples from various harvest regimes, storage regimes, cultivars and different packaging methods are presented to characterize volatile ester differences after cutting and how changes occur in characteristic flavors throughout the postharvest life of certain cut fruit products. In many fresh-cut cantaloupe cultivars and in honeydew, there was a relative increase in nonacetates and coinciding relative decrease in acetates during storage. A similar and consistent nonacetate:acetate ester ratio was conserved in cantaloupe from eastern and western U.S. regions, as well as different cultivars from the same field. Furthermore, similar ratios were observed in many melon cultivars over multiple years from different seasons and growing regions. Since many cultivars exhibited similar trends in 2-year repeated studies, the trend is apparently independent of year and season. Fresh-cut `Gala' apples, on the other hand, displayed a slightly different trend whereby both acetates and nonacetate esters decreased appreciably during storage. The hypothesis is put forward that recycling of esters during storage in certain fresh-cut fruits disturbs the delicate fine balance of characteristic volatiles. Consistently decreasing acetates along with increasing nonacetates could alter the overall perceived desirable flavor attributes during fresh-cut melon storage, even though volatile esters are still abundant.

Volatile Changes in Cantaloupe during Growth, Maturation, and in Stored Fresh-cuts Prepared from Fruit Harvested at Various Maturities

A likely reason why consumers are not repeat buyers of many fresh-cut fruit is inconsistent or unsatisfactory flavor and/or textural quality. Research toward understanding mechanisms responsible for generation, and/or loss of flavor compounds in fresh-cut fruit is limited. Solid phase microextraction (SPME) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) were utilized to study flavor volatile profiles in anthesis-tagged cantaloupe (Cucumis melo L. var. reticulatus Naud. cv. Sol Real) during growth, development, and for fresh-cuts prepared from fruit with five distinctly different harvest maturities. One-quarter-slip fruit had a clearly green, well-attached peduncle; 1/2-slip fruit had a distinct abscission detectable at the peduncle, 3/4-slip fruit were approaching commercial harvest, full-slip (FS) fruit are or will cleanly separate from the vine with light pressure; and over-ripeness (OR) was precisely categorized as 2 days past FS. Recovery of total volatiles displayed a linear response and most volatile classes (except aldehydes) generally followed a trend upon processing where FS &gt; 3/4-slip &gt; 1/2-slip &gt; 1/4-slip. On day 0, only 70.0%, 37.7%, and 20.5% total volatiles were recovered in 3/4-slip, 1/2-slip, and 1/4-slip fruit, compared to FS fruit. During fresh-cut storage, percent total esters followed an increasing linear trend that was maturity-dependent. Percent total aromatics and percent aldehydes followed a linear trend that was maturity-dependent whereby 1/4-slip &gt; 1/2-slip &gt; 3/4-slip &gt; FS. During storage, the relative percentage of acetates decreased, and displayed a maturity-dependent curvilinear trend. The magnitude of the slope decreased with maturity, indicating that the effect of storage time decreased as maturity increased. In FS, 3/4-slip, 1/2-slip, and 1/4-slip cubes, acetates comprised 66.9% of all compounds recovered on day 0 yet, only 26.1% to 44.2%, and 21.3% to 32.6% remained on days 9 and 14, respectively. For all maturities, a curvilinear increase in relative percentage of nonacetate esters was observed during storage. There was a uniform change in the ester balance (nonacetate ester:acetate ratio) during fresh-cut storage, which was independent of initial processing maturity. The overall ester ratio changed roughly 2-fold after just 2 days in optimum storage, and after 5 days it increased more than 3-fold. The shift in endogenous ester compounds could be partially responsible for the apparent loss of characteristic flavor in fresh-cut cantaloupe through long-term storage.

ATP Bioluminescence Assay for Estimation of Microbial Populations of Fresh-Cut Melon

Estimation of microbial numbers in foods by conventional microbiological techniques takes days, so there is a need for faster methods that can give results in minutes. Research was undertaken to investigate the use of bioluminescent ATP determination and a firefly luciferase assay to estimate the initial population of aerobic mesophilic bacteria on fresh-cut melons immediately after preparation and during storage at 5 or 15°C for up to 12 days. Populations of aerobic mesophilic bacteria on fresh-cut cantaloupe prepared immediately from unsanitized whole melons averaged 3.42 log CFU/g, corresponding to an ATP value of 5.40 log fg/g. Populations for fresh-cut honeydew prepared from unsanitized whole melon averaged 1.97 log CFU/g, corresponding an ATP value of 3.94 log fg/g. Fresh-cut pieces prepared from cantaloupe or honeydew melons sanitized with either chlorine (200 ppm free chlorine) or hydrogen peroxide (2.5%) had similar ATP values: 3.1 log fg/g (corresponding to bacterial counts 1.7 log CFU/g) for cantaloupes and 2.6 log fg/g (corresponding to bacterial counts of 0.48 CFU/g) for fresh-cut honeydew. Positive linear correlations for ATP concentrations and microbial populations were found for fresh-cut cantaloupe (R2 = 0.99) and honeydew R2 = 0.95) during storage at 5°C for up to 12 days. ATP values in fresh-cut melons inoculated with either aerobic mesophilic bacteria or yeast and mold were significantly higher (P < 0.05) than control values and parallel total plate counts on plate count agar. Results of this study indicate that the bioluminescent ATP assay can be used to monitor total microbial populations on fresh-cut melon after preparation and during storage for quality control purposes to establish specific sell-by or consume-by dates.

Within-Season Volatile and Quality Differences in Stored Fresh-Cut Cantaloupe Cultivars

Cantaloupe cultivar variability from various U.S. regions and growing seasons within a given year was evaluated. As expected, there was often considerable quality and volatile variation among cultivars. Eight of 11 cultivars met the standard U.S. No. 1 requirement for degrees Brix (> or =9), and in most cultivars, degrees Brix declined during fresh-cut storage at 4 degrees C. Hunter L (loss of lightness color value) and a (decline of typical orange hue) colors also generally declined during storage in most cultivars. Volatile ester compounds generally decreased during fresh-cut storage or exhibited a transient increase before declining after 5-7 days of storage. The relative percentage of acetate esters declined during storage in all cultivars, and declines were accompanied by simultaneous non-acetate ester increases. Slight imbalances in compound concentrations may alter the overall perception of desirable, typical "cantaloupe" aroma/flavor during fresh-cut storage. Upsetting the unique aroma balance through storage may negatively affect flavor and the consumer's perception of desirable attributes, even though total volatile levels might not decrease substantially until after 5-7 days in storage. Subtle volatile and quality decreases are likely to be exacerbated with immature-harvested cantaloupe and are likely in out-of-season exports that have likewise been harvested at less mature stages. Altogether, this study indicates the difficulty in procuring cantaloupes of consistent quality from local producers, in a given year, for domestically grown fruit.

POSTHARVEST USE OF 1-MCP TO EXTEND STORAGE LIFE OF MELON IN BRAZIL - CURRENT RESEARCH STATUS

Efficiency of 1-MCP on postharvest life of whole and fresh-cut cantaloupe melons was evaluated. Melons were treated with doses varying from 0 to 900 nl.L -1 in order to define the best concentration of 1-MCP. Flesh softening was the main characteristic affected in all experiments and softening delay was according to the dose, although differences between doses above 300 nl.L -1 were not significant. Respiration and ethylene evolution rates were reduced and both CO 2 and ethylene peaks were delayed in trials with whole melons. 1-MCP doubled postharvest life of cantaloupe melons at ambient temperature (from 1 to 2 weeks). Treated melons were acceptable for 27 days, whereas control fruit could be stored for no longer than 7 days.[...]

Effects of Low-dose Electron Beam Irradiation on Respiration, Microbiology, Color, and Texture of Fresh-cut Cantaloupe

Cantaloupes (Cucumis melo) in three separate trials were cut into 1-inch cubes and irradiated at 0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1.0, 1.25, or 1.5 kGy; 0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, or 0.7 kGy; and 0, 0.3, 0.6, or 0.9 kGy, respectively. They were then stored in air at 3 °C for up to 20 days, and respiration rate, measured as carbon dioxide (CO2) production, microbiological counts [total plate count (TPC) and yeast and molds], texture, and color were measured during storage. Respiration rates were initially higher in irradiated cantaloupe. After 8 days, respiration was similar between irradiated and control fruit. Irradiation moderated increases in respiration in a dose-dependent manner. Highest irradiation doses resulted in initial TPC reductions of 1.5 log compared to the non-irradiated controls, and also prevented the 2.5 to 3 log TPC increases seen in controls after 10 to 11 days of storage. Texture differed on day 1, when controls were most firm, but irradiation maintained greater firmness than controls after day 7. Irradiation of fresh-cut cantaloupe has potential for shelf life extension and for integration with modified atmosphere packaging systems.

Use of Mild Heat Pre-treatment for Quality Retention of Fresh-cut Cantaloupe Melon

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Effect of Nisin in Combination with EDTA, Sodium Lactate, and Potassium Sorbate for Reducing Salmonella on Whole and Fresh-Cut Cantaloupe

Nisin (50 μg/ml), EDTA (0.02 M, disodium salt), sodium lactate (NaL, 2%), and potassium sorbate (KS, 0.02%) were tested individually and in various combinations as sanitizer treatments for reducing Salmonella on whole and fresh-cut cantaloupe. Whole cantaloupe and fresh-cut pieces were inoculated with a five-strain cocktail of Salmonella to give 4.76±0.23 log CFU/cm2 and 3.42±0.13 log CFU/g, respectively. Inoculated whole melons and fresh-cut pieces were stored at 5°C for 7 days. Washing treatments were applied to inoculated whole melons at days 0, 3, and 7 of storage, and surviving bacterial populations were determined. The effect of the washing treatments on transfer of Salmonella to fresh-cut pieces prepared immediately after treatment was also determined. Directly inoculated fresh-cut pieces were treated at day 0, and surviving bacteria were enumerated at days 0, 3, and 7 of storage. The combination treatments of nisin-EDTA, nisin-NaL, nisin-KS, NaL-KS, and nisin-NaL-KS all resulted in reductions of approximately 3 log CFU/cm2 at day 0 for whole melons. When tested alone, all compounds, along with water washes, were ineffective. After 3 and 7 days of storage, the five combination washing treatments were less effective, resulting in reductions of approximately 2 log CFU/cm2. None of the combination treatments completely eliminated transfer of pathogen survivors to fresh-cut pieces. The combination treatments nisin-NaL, nisin-KS, NaL-KS, and nisin-NaL-KS, but not nisin-EDTA, gave significant (P < 0.05) reductions of Salmonella directly inoculated onto fresh-cut pieces. Washing with nisin-NaL-KS was significantly (P < 0.05) more effective than the other three combination treatments, resulting in a reduction of 1.4 CFU/g. Inhibition by the four effective treatments carried over from day 0 through day 7 of storage, with no increase in the population of Salmonella on the stored fresh-cut pieces. Sensory evaluations indicated that treatment of fresh-cut pieces with nisin-NaL and NaL-KS, but not nisin-KS or nisin-NaL-KS, were acceptable in terms of appearance, odor, and overall acceptability. After the required regulatory approval, treatment of whole cantaloupe with nisin in combination with EDTA, NaL, KS, or NaL and KS and of fresh-cut pieces with nisin-NaL or NaLKS could help ensure the microbiological safety of fresh-cut cantaloupe.

Effect of Harvest Maturity on the Sensory Characteristics of Fresh‐cut Cantaloupe

ABSTRACT: Maintaining flavor, aroma, microbial, and postharvest quality after processing and throughout the distribution chain is a major challenge facing the fresh‐cut fruit industry. Flavor and aroma are most often the true indicators of shelf‐life from the consumer's point of view. Changes in post‐cutting sensory attributes during freshcut storage at 4 °C in cantaloupe harvested at 4 distinct maturities (¼, frac12;, frac34;, and full slip) were subsequently investigated. Trained descriptive sensory panelists were used in a 2‐y study to assess sensory differences after 0, 2, 5, 7, 9, 12, and 14 d. A texture analyzer was also used in an attempt to verify textural properties revealed by the panelists. The V4‐slip harvested fruit were firmer than the other 3 maturities, and ¼‐slip cubes retained the most firmness through freshcut storage. Correspondingly, fruity and sweet aromatic flavor were significantly less intense in the ¼‐slip cubes compared with ½‐ and ¾‐slip maturities. Sweet taste was consistently significantly less intense in the ¼‐slip cubes than the other maturities during the entire storage period. Hardness was more intense (harder) in ¼‐slip cubes during 0 to 9 d. This trend was almost identical in the instrumental texture determinations for the force and slope at the 1st bioyield point of the force deformation curves. Meanwhile, ¼‐slip cubes were significantly less intense than the other maturities in surface wetness and moisture release on day 0 and throughout storage. It appears that fresh‐cut cantaloupe cubes with desirable sensorial attributes can be prepared with fruit when harvested ½ slip but not from ¼‐slip fruit.

Effect of Calcium Treatment Temperature on Fresh‐cut Cantaloupe Melon during Storage

ABSTRACT: The effect of calcium treatment temperature on cut cantaloupe fruit during storage was determined. Fruit dipped in calcium solution at 4°C had lower respiration and moisture loss rates than treated fruit at ambient temperature. Calcium treatment lowered lipase activity at both temperatures, but the effect was more notable in fruit treated at the lower temperature where lipase activity was undetectable in the freshly processed fruit and after storage for 24 h. The ability of calcium to confer rigidity to the tissue components at low temperatures, possibly through improved covalent crosslinking, was indicated by viscosity measurements indicating higher values for pulverized cantaloupe melon with added calcium at 4°C than fruit blended under similar conditions at ambient temperature.

Influence of 1-Methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) on the Shelf Life and Deterioration of Fresh-cut Cantaloupe

A study was conducted to determine the influence of the ethylene action inhibitor, 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) on the shelf life and deterioration of fresh-cut cantaloupe (Cucumis melo var. reticulatus) during storage at 5 °C. Intact cantaloupe fruit, cv. Durango (3/4 to full-slip stage) were treated with 1-MCP (1 μL·L-1) for 24 h at 20 °C. Following cooling to 5 °C, the fruit were processed into ≈2.5-cm cubes and subsequently dipped in 1.34 mm sodium hypochlorite solution for 20 s. Fresh-cut cubes were stored in 1.7-L vented plastic containers for 12 d at 5 °C (85% RH). Intact fruit treated and stored under identical conditions were also examined. While 1-MCP-treated cantaloupe cubes were about 35% firmer than control cubes after the 24-h at 20 °C 1-MCP treatment, little softening occurred in either treatment during the subsequent 12-d at 5 °C storage period. In contrast, control and 1-MCP-treated intact fruit softened nearly 40% and 15%, respectively. 1-MCP did not significantly influence flesh color and soluble solid contents of either intact cantaloupe or fresh-cut cubes during storage at 5 °C. Increased decay incidence was observed in 1-MCP-treated fresh-cut cantaloupe cubes.

Effect of Hot Water and Hydrogen Peroxide Treatments on Survival of Salmonella and Microbial Quality of Whole and Fresh-Cut Cantaloupe

Cantaloupe melon has been associated with outbreaks of salmonellosis. Contamination might be introduced into the flesh from the rind by cutting or by contact of cut pieces with contaminated rinds. Our objectives were to investigate the efficacy of hot water or hot 5% hydrogen peroxide treatments in reducing the population of native microflora and inoculated Salmonella on cantaloupe rind and transfer to fresh-cut tissue during cutting. Whole cantaloupes, inoculated with a cocktail of Salmonella serovars to give 4.6 log CFU/cm2 and stored at 5 or 20°C for up to 5 days, were treated with hot water (70 or 97°C) or 5% hydrogen peroxide (70°C) for 1 min at 0, 1, 3, or 5 days postinoculation. Aerobic mesophilic bacteria and yeast and mold on treated whole melon and fresh-cut pieces were significantly (P < 0.05) reduced by all three treatments. Treatments with hot water (70 and 97°C) caused a 2.0- and 3.4-log CFU/cm2 reduction of Salmonella on whole cantaloupe surfaces irrespective of days of postinoculation storage prior to treatment up to 5 days at 5 or 20°C, respectively. Treatment with 5% hydrogen peroxide (70°C) caused a 3.8-log CFU/cm2 reduction of Salmonella. Fresh-cut pieces prepared from untreated inoculated melons and those treated with 70°C hot water were positive for Salmonella. However, fresh-cut pieces prepared from inoculated whole melon dipped in water (97°C) or hydrogen peroxide (70°C) for 60 s were negative for Salmonella, as determined by dilution plating onto agar medium, but were positive after enrichment at days 3 and 5 of storage at 5°C. The ability to detect Salmonella in fresh-cut pieces was dependent on the initial level of inoculation. The results of this study indicate that the use of hot water (97°C) or heated hydrogen peroxide to reduce the population of Salmonella on contaminated whole cantaloupes will enhance the microbial safety of the fresh-cut product.

Storage Effects on Lipase Activity in Fresh‐cut Cantaloupe Melon

ABSTRACT: Lipase enzyme in fresh‐cut cantaloupe melon (Cucumis melo L. var. reticulatus Naud) was assayed, and the effects of storage at 4 and 15 °C on enzymatic activity were determined. The enzyme was stable for 24 h at both temperatures but decreased by 45% after 120 h of storage time at 15 °C. Isoelectric studies suggest a possible dual lipase and esterase action of the enzyme. Enzymatic activity increased by about 60% when the reaction temperature was increased from 30 °C to 40 °C and remained constant until 70 °C, but the enzyme was unstable when stored at the high temperature. Calcium treatment reduced lipase activity in the fresh‐cut fruit.

EVALUATION OF CELLS OF LACTOBACILLUS DELBRUECKII SPP. LACTIS RM2–5 AND PEDIOCOCCUS ACIDILACTICI D3 SUSPENDED IN LACTIC OR ACETIC ACID AS BIOPRESERVATIVES ON FRESH CUT CANTALOUPE AT 7C1

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential antibacterial effect of selected cultures of lactic acid bacteria toward Salmonella choleraesuis and spoilage organisms on fresh cut cantaloupe during storage at 7C. A small although statistically significant (P &lt; 0.05) inactivation of S. choleraesuis was observed when cantaloupe cubes were additionally inoculated with cells P. acidilactici suspended in 5.5 mM lactic acid or 5.5 mM glacial acetic acid solutions. However, the numbers of S. choleraesuis were not significantly lower than in the control on day 10. The amount of inactivation likely would have no practical importance. No significant decline in numbers of S. choleraesuis was attained when the cells of L. delbrueckii spp. lactis were suspended in 5.5 mM lactic acid. None of the treatments contributed to an effective (P &gt; 0.05) inhibition of the spoilage flora on the melons.

Effect of storage on some volatile aroma compounds in fresh-cut cantaloupe melon.

Changes in volatile aroma constituents of fresh-cut cantaloupe melon with storage were determined by headspace solid-phase microextraction gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The compounds isolated from the fruit immediately after cutting were predominantly aliphatic and aromatic esters. Storage of fruit at 4 degrees C caused a considerable decrease in concentration of esters and synthesis of the terpenoid compounds beta-ionone and geranylacetone over a period of 24 h. This change in the volatile profile with storage is consistent with that of a stress-induced defense response in the cut fruit as an adaptation process to tissue exposure and cell disruption. The same effect occurred in fruit stored at 22 degrees C and in those treated with sodium azide and ascorbic acid prior to storage. Fruit treated with ascorbic acid and sodium azide had higher concentrations of beta-ionone and geranylacetone and retained these compounds better with storage time. The reduction of esters appears to be an important early reaction step in the loss of freshness during storage of fresh-cut cantaloupe.