Increase In Soluble Solids Content Research Articles

Maintenance of postharvest quality of ‘Palmer’ mango coated with biodegradable coatings based on cassava starch and emulsion of lemongrass essential oil

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of applying oxidized cassava starch-based edible coatings with addition of lemongrass essential oil emulsion on ‘Palmer’ mangoes stored under refrigeration. A completely randomized design was used, arranged in a 5 × 3 factorial scheme, with five types of coatings and three evaluation times. The evaluated postharvest quality parameters consisted of weight loss, pulp and peel firmness, biochemical transformations related to pigments, and pulp and peel coloration of mango. The application of edible coatings with a 0.9 % EO concentration resulted in delayed fruit ripening, evidenced mainly by a 7.25 % reduction in weight loss, a 29.23 % increase in soluble solids content, and a 24.15 % decrease in total chlorophyll, when compared to uncoated fruits, which showed 19.8 %, 48.66 %, and 82.00 %, respectively, over the storage period. This effect was also evident in the angle Hue (°h) measurement, with uncoated fruits showing a decrease of 32.2 %. The antimicrobial effect and absence of anthracnose symptoms were observed in the fruits in which the coating with 0.9 % EO was applied. Therefore, biodegradable coating with the addition of 0.9 % emulsion EO, can be used as postharvest treatments for maintenance quality of ‘Palmer’ mangoes during refrigerated storage.

Application of Coatings in Preservation of Fresh Salak Bali (Salacca zalacca) with Different Emulsions of Fatty Acids

This study aims to determine the effect of emulsion coating of different fatty acids on the characteristics of Salak Bali fruit and to determine the right emulsion formulation. The experimental design used in this study was a simple randomized complete block design (CRD). The treatments were A0: Salak untreated (control). A1: Salak treated with oleic acid, A2: Salak treated with stearic acid, A3: Salak treated with palmitic acid, and A4: Salak treated with a mixture of oleic acid, stearic acid, and palmitic acid. The experiment was repeated three (3) times and observations were made every 3 days until day 15, including: weight loss, total soluble solids, pH, color and organoleptic tests. The results showed that emulsion coating with oleic acid, stearic acid and palmitic acid had a significant effect on the shelf life of Salak Bali fruit. Stearic acid emulsion (1%) is the best emulsion in fruit coating that produces the best fruit characteristics in terms of durability, color, weight loss, pH, suppressing the increase in soluble solids content and is the emulsion that gets the best choice from the calculation of the average number of panelists on organoleptic texture, color and overall acceptability of salak fruit.

Effects of Different Storage Temperatures and Methyl Jasmonate on Grape Quality and Antioxidant Activity

The aim of this study was to find out how different postharvest temperatures and MeJA treatments affected the quality of table grapes, their antioxidant properties, and the amount of hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde they contained. For the investigation, postharvest Shine Muscat table grapes were treated with low and high temperatures and MeJA at concentrations of 10 and 100 μmol/L. The results indicated that treating grape berries with MeJA at concentrations of 10 and 100 μmol/L effectively reduced weight loss and mitigated the increase in soluble solid content while also mitigating the decrease in berry firmness and titratable acidity. Consequently, this treatment preserved the sensory and nutritional qualities of the berries and extended their shelf life. Meanwhile, the application of MeJA at a concentration of 10 μmol/L demonstrated superior effectiveness compared to the 100 μmol/L concentration and resulted in a significant enhancement of antioxidant activities by increasing levels of superoxide dismutase, catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, and polyphenol oxidase. Furthermore, the levels of hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde in the samples increased for all treatments throughout the storage period. Nevertheless, the levels of hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde generation following MeJA treatment remained much lower compared to samples treated at room temperature and low temperature. Therefore, the postharvest application of MeJA at a concentration of 10 μmol/L could play a critical role as a stimulator of fruit quality as well as enhance physicochemical parameters and antioxidant activities for extending the shelf life of grapes during storage.

Abscisic Acid Synthesis and Signaling during the Ripening of Raspberry (Rubus idaeus 'Heritage') Fruit.

The raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.) fruit is characterized by its richness in functional molecules and high nutritional value, but the high rate of fruit softening limits its quality during postharvest. Raspberry drupelets have a particular ripening regulation, depending partially on the effect of ethylene produced from the receptacle. However, the possible role of abscisic acid (ABA) in the modulation of quality parameters during the ripening of raspberry is unclear. This study characterized the fruit quality-associated parameters and hormonal contents during fruit development in two seasons. The quality parameters showed typical changes during ripening: a drastic loss of firmness, increase in soluble solids content, loss of acidity, and turning to a red color from the large green stage to fully ripe fruit in both seasons. A significant increase in the ABA content was observed during the ripening of drupelets and receptacles, with the higher content in the receptacle of ripe and overripe stages compared to the large green stage. Moreover, identification of ABA biosynthesis-(9-cis-epoxycarotenoid dioxygenase/NCED) and ABA receptor-related genes (PYRs-like receptors) showed three genes encoding RiNCEDs and nine genes for RiPYLs. The expression level of these genes increased from the large green stage to the full-ripe stage, specifically characterized by a higher expression of RiNCED1 in the receptacle tissue. This study reports a consistent concomitant increase in the ABA content and the expression of RiNCED1, RiPYL1, and RiPYL8 during the ripening of the raspberry fruit, thus supporting the role for ABA signaling in drupelets.

Exogenous melatonin treatment affects ascorbic acid metabolism in postharvest 'Jinyan' kiwifruit.

Ascorbic acid (AsA) is an important nutritious substance in fruits, and it also can maintain the biological activity of fruits during storage. This research investigated the effect of exogenous melatonin (MT) on AsA metabolism in postharvest kiwifruit. Our results indicated that exogenous MT delayed the decrease of fruit firmness and titratable acid (TA), inhibited the increase of soluble solids content (SSC), reduced the respiration rate and ethylene production, and maintained a higher AsA content in kiwifruit during storage. The high expression of L-galactose pathway key genes in the early storage and regeneration genes in the later storage maintained the AsA content in postharvest kiwifruit. MT treatment enhanced the expression levels of AsA biosynthesis (AcGME2, AcGalDH, and AcGalLDH) and regeneration (AcGR, AcDHAR, and AcMDHAR1) genes. Meanwhile, the expression of the degradation gene AcAO was inhibited in MT-treated kiwifruits.

Tragacanth gum coating suppresses the disassembly of cell wall polysaccharides and delays softening of harvested mango (Mangifera indica L.) fruit

Mango is a climacteric fruit and is prone to high perishability. The rapid softening and ripening (due to degradation and disassembly of cell wall polysaccharides) are the major limitations in extending the storability of the harvested mango fruits. Various types of gum-based edible coatings have been reported for the shelf life extension of mango fruits. Tragacanth gum (TCG) also has appropriate coating properties. Its use as an edible coating has been reported on certain fruits. However, the effect of TCG coating in the regulation of harvested mango fruits ripening and softening has not been reported yet. So, the objective of this work was to investigate the effect of TCG (control, 0.5 %, 1 % and 1.5 %) coating on postharvest softening and ripening of harvested mango fruits. TCG coating affected the ripening and softening of mango in a dose-dependent manner. Results exhibited that mango fruits coated with 1.5 % TCG showed substantially lower disease incidence and weight loss. The 1.5 % TCG-coated mangoes showed substantially lower ethylene biosynthesis and respiration rate peaks as well as superoxide anion and hydrogen peroxide contents compared with the control. In the same way, 1.5 % TCG-coated mango fruits had markedly higher total chlorophyll content and lower L*, b* and a* along with substantially lower total carotenoids in peel tissues. Mango fruits coated with 1.5 % TCG exhibited markedly lower water-soluble pectin and higher chelate-soluble pectin, Na2CO3-soluble pectin, protopectin, cellulose and hemicellulose in flesh tissues compared with control. The activity of polygalacturonase (PG), cellulase (CX), pectin methylesterase (PME), β-galactosidase (β-Gal) and β-glucosidase (β-Glu) were significantly lower in flesh of 1.5 % TCG treated fruits along with substantially higher firmness in contrast with control. In addition, 1.5 % TCG coating treatment showed significantly higher activity of antioxidative enzymes and delayed the increase in soluble solids content (SSC) and ripening index (RI) along with considerably higher titratable acidity (TA) compared with the untreated control. So, pre-storage TCG based edible coating (1.5 %) could be applied to delay ripening and softening in mango fruit industry under postharvest ambient conditions.

High O2/N2 controlled atmosphere accelerates postharvest ripening of ‘Hayward’ kiwifruit

Kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa cv. Hayward) was exposed to high O2/N2 controlled atmosphere (30 % O2 + 70 % N2) for 7 d at 23 ± 1 °C to evaluate the effects on postharvest ripening and fruit quality. The treated fruit exhibited a dramatic increase in soluble solids content (SSC) and a rapid decrease in firmness and titratable acidity (TA), accompanied by a noticeable change in flesh color and volatile organic compounds during the first 7 d. Fruit exposed to high oxygen concentration required 7 d to reach the edible firmness (∼ 10 N), while the control fruit needed 42 d. At edible firmness, no differences in the SSC, TA, and flesh color were observed between treated and untreated kiwifruit, although the concentration and amounts of volatile organic compounds showed a little difference. High O2/N2 controlled atmosphere advanced respiration rate peak, with an increase in the contents of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), adenosine diphosphate (ADP), and adenosine monophosphate (AMP). The treatment also increased catalase (CAT) and peroxidase (POD) activities. Quantitative real-time PCR revealed increased expression levels of AdAAC1, AdAOX2, AcEXP1, AcPL1, AcPG, AcACS, AcACO, and AcACO2 in the treated fruit. Thus, the study's results indicate that high O2/N2 controlled atmosphere could accelerate kiwifruit ripening and result in good fruit quality.

Effect of Oxygen and Carbon Dioxide Concentration on the Quality of Minikiwi Fruits after Storage

The rapid increase in the production of hardy kiwi fruit (A. arguta) since the beginning of the 21st century has required the development of new cultivation technologies and postharvest handling procedures in order to extend the supply and transport of the fruit to distant markets. Fruit storage focuses on the inhibition of ripening processes regulated by ethylene activity or respiration. Both of these are effectively regulated by appropriate concentrations of O2 and CO2 in the atmosphere surrounding the fruit. In this study, the effect of the concentration of both gases in the cold room on the physico-chemical indices of fruit quality, i.e., mass loss, firmness, soluble solids and monosaccharides content, titratable acidity and acid content, and color of the peel was evaluated. Studies have shown that high CO2 concentrations inhibit ripening processes more effectively than low O2 concentrations. Softening of berries as well as an increase in soluble solid contents was recorded during the first 4 weeks of storage in the fruit. However, the increase in monosaccharides was fairly stable throughout the study period. The increase in soluble solids content as well as the loss of acidity were more strongly determined by CO2 than O2, although the acid content in a 10% CO2 atmosphere did not change. Additionally, the fruits were greener after storage in 10% CO2, but the weakness was skin dulling and darkening. The results indicate that the use of high CO2 concentrations (5–10%) effectively inhibits ripening processes in fruit. After 12 weeks of storage, the fruit was still not suitable for direct consumption, which suggests that the storage period can be extended further.

Determining the optical properties of apple tissue and their dependence on physiological and morphological characteristics during fruit maturation. Part 2: Mie's theory

Mie's theory was used to develop a theoretical model to describe light propagation in apple tissue based on its microstructural properties. Taking into account the size distributions and volume fractions of intercellular space and starch granules, which are known in detail from previous studies, the model predicted a decrease in the effective scattering coefficient μ′s of about 30 % during maturation. For the lateral change of μ′s within a ripe apple, the model predicted an increase up to 35 % from core to skin. In both cases, the relative changes agree well with the experimental results obtained with spatial frequency domain imaging (SFDI) and an integrating sphere setup. Based on the model, at least 70 % of total μ′s is attributable to intercellular space, which accordingly plays a dominant role in the temporal and lateral change of scattering. Using an extended Mie model for layered particles assuming a dense cell structure, a negligible effect on μ′s was observed for the cell wall. However, for cells separated from the surrounding tissue by a narrow air gap (e.g. dissolution of the middle lamella), μ′s was 20 % higher than for cells theoretically isolated in air. Lastly, it was shown that an increase in soluble solids content (SSC) during maturation by up to 15 % and the associated higher refractive index in the cells led to an increase in μ′s by about 3–5 % compared to the case without considering SSC. Overall, the application of Mie's theory proved suitable to investigate the influence of different morphological structures on light scattering in apple tissue.

Preservation and post-harvest quality of okra using low density polyethylene

<abstract> Okra (<italic>Abelmoschus esculentus</italic> L. Moench) is a vegetable crop of high nutritional value, which presents great losses after harvest when stored under poor storage conditions. The objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of different low-density polyethylene (LDPE) thicknesses on the preservation and post-harvest quality of okra fruits under different storage periods. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design, with nine replicates, in a 5 × 5 factorial scheme, corresponding to five forms of packaging at a temperature of 10 ± 1 ℃: no film and four LDPE thicknesses (10, 20, 30, and 40 µm) with five storage periods (0, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days). It was revealed that the use of LDPE plastic films provided lower loss of mass, higher fruit firmness containment of increase in soluble solids, and lower color change at 21 days of storage compared to no film. The LDPE thickness of 30 µm showed lower incidence of rotting, better appearance throughout storage, lower color changes, containment of increase in soluble solids content, higher chlorophyll, ascorbic acid, and total phenolic content compared to other forms of packaging, and is the most appropriate package for storing okra fruits up to 21 days, under refrigeration condition. The results of this study show that the thickness of LDPE has significant effects on the conservation and quality of okra. Our findings can be used to minimize post-harvest losses of okra during marketing. </abstract>

Effect of maturation stage on the physical-chemical composition and bioactive compounds of Solanum granosos-leprosum Dunal fruits

The aim of this study was to characterize the capoeira-branca (Solanum granuloso-leprosum Dunal) fruits cultivated in Lavras, Minas Gerais, Brazil. The fruit growth was evaluated, from inflorescence to ripening. For this, measurements were made weekly. The fruits were harvested and separated at three developmental maturation stages (1-immature; 2-green mature; 3-mature), according to the color and size. Then, the fruits were evaluated by size, weight, color, respiration, firmness, pH, titratable acidity, soluble solids, soluble pectin, centesimal composition, vitamin C and antioxidant activity at three stages. During maturation, the fruits showed increase in mass (0.4076 to 0.9956 g), size (7.9 to 12.2 mm), glycidic fraction (15.95 to 27.23%) and ash (0.94 to 1.60%) and reduction in firmness (4.23 to 1.50 kgf), moisture (79.24 to 69.45%) and protein (3.49 to 1.41%) contents. Furthermore, there was increase in soluble solids content (8.80 to 13.80%), antioxidant activity (62.57 to 69.63 μM de trolox.g-1 and 1880.34 to 4602.40 mg.100g-1) and vitamin C (46.81 to 236.02 mg.100g-1) and a decrease in the total phenolics (257.58 to 171.00 mg.100g-1) and soluble pectin (0.92 to 0.69 mg.g-1). The fruits, even after ripening, maintained their greenish color, although less intense than that observed in immature and mature green fruits.

Atributos de qualidade, compostos bioativos e atividade antioxidante de frutos de uvaieira durante a maturação

Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar as mudanças nos aspectos de qualidade, compostos bioativos e atividade antioxidante de frutos de uvaieira (Eugenia pyriformis Cambess) em diferentes estádios de maturação. Os frutos foram avaliados quanto à massa fresca, comprimento e diâmetro, rendimento de polpa, sólidos solúveis (SS), acidez titulável (TA), relação SS/TA, ácido ascórbico, carotenoides totais, flavonoides amarelos e atividade antioxidante (DPPH). O delineamento experimental foi o inteiramente casualizado. Os frutos da uvaieira apresentam aumento na massa fresca e rendimento de polpa durante a maturação, atingindo médias de 11,69 g e 65,49% ao final, respectivamente. A uvaia é um fruto de elevada acidez, a qual diminui com a maturação, paralelamente ao aumento nos sólidos solúveis. A capacidade antioxidante total aumenta com o avanço da maturação da uvaia, em paralelo ao aumento dos teores de carotenoides e flavonoides, caracterizando as mudanças mais marcantes dos estádios finais da maturação.

Changes of quality traits and phytochemical components of jujube fruit treated with preharvest GA3 and Parka during cold storage

The study aimed to assess the effects of pre-harvest gibberellic acid (GA3) and Parka applications on fruit quality and bioactive components of jujube (Ziziphus jujuba Mill. cv. ‘Li’) fruit during the storage. Fruit were kept at 0±0.5 °C and 90±5% RH for 45 days. Parka and GA3 applications delayed weight losses and respiration rate in the cold storage. While the effect of the Parka application on the decrease in fruit firmness values depending on the storage time was not significant, it can be said that GA3 application was effective in maintaining the fruit firmness in the cold storage. The increase in soluble solids content (SSC) during cold storage was less with GA3 application. The decrease in titratable acidity with ripening in the cold storage was similar in the Parka and control applications. It can be said that GA3 application was effective in maintaining the titratable acidity during storage and this effect increased with the combination of Parka+GA3. The highest vitamin C at the end of the storage was recorded in fruit treated with Parka. Total phenolics, total flavonoids and antioxidant activity decreased in all applications during the storage. GA3 and Parka applications retarded the losses in total phenolics, total flavonoids and antioxidant activity in the storage. As a result, it can be said that the pre-harvest GA3 and Parka applications give positive results in maintaining the quality properties of jujube fruit in the cold storage.

Effect of compost and natural rocks as partial substitutes for NPK mineral fertilizers on yield and fruit quality of ‘Flame’ seedless grapevine grown in two different locations of Egypt

Aim of study: To evaluate the use of compost and natural rocks as partial replacement of mineral fertilizers in ‘Flame’ seedless grape vineyards.Area of study: The present work was conducted during three successive seasons (2016, 2017 and 2018), being the first season a preliminary trial on 4-yr old grapes cultivated in two different soil types (sandy and clay) at two different locations, Egypt (Abo Galeb, Giza governorate; EL-Mahala, Gharbia governorate).Material and methods: Treatments were applied as natural raw materials at 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100% out of recommended mineral NPK rate. The mineral fertilizers used were ammonium sulfate (21.6% N), calcium super phosphate (15.5% P2O5) and potassium sulfate (48% K2O). The natural rocks used were phosphate rock (22.0% P2O5) and Feldspar (10.12% K2O). Yield and fruit characteristics and leaf mineral content were determined.Main results: Using compost in combination with natural rocks enriched with NPK mobilization bacteria and mineral NPK enhanced leaf nutrients content and gave the highest yield and cluster weight. This mix also improved berries physical and chemical characteristics. There was an increase in soluble solids content (SSC), SSC/acid ratio, and anthocyanin content, associated with a reduction in nitrate content of the berry juice. The most pronounced effect was related to using 60% mineral fertilization + 40% organic and natural rocks in both vineyard locations.Research highlights: We can reduce the recommended doses of mineral NPK by about 40%, reducing then the soil pollution.

Pre-harvest spraying of oxalic acid improves postharvest quality associated with increase in ascorbic acid and regulation of ethanol fermentation in kiwifruit cv. Bruno during storage

The kiwifruit trees (Actinidia deliciosa cv. Bruno) were sprayed with 5 mmol L–1 oxalic acid (OA) or water (as control) at 130, 137 or 144 d after full-blossom, and then the fruit were harvested at commercial maturity and stored at room temperature (20±1)°C for 13 d. The effect of pre-harvest spraying of OA on postharvest quality of kiwifruit was evaluated during storage. The OA spraying slowed the increase in soluble solids content (SSC) and decrease in titratable acid (TA), as well as increased contents of ascorbic acid (AsA) and total-AsA accompanied with higher AsA/DHA ratio in kiwifruit during storage. Moreover, the OA spraying significantly reduced the contents of acetaldehyde and ethanol in kiwifruit, along with significant decrease in activities of enzymes involved in ethanol fermentation metabolism during the later period of storage, which was beneficial to control off-flavor associated with over accumulation of ethanol during postharvest. It was suggested that pre-harvest spraying of OA might maintain the postharvest quality of kiwifruit in relation to delay in fruit ripening, AsA maintenance and regulation of ethanol fermentation.

Calcium application via hydrocooling and edible coating for the conservation and quality of cashew apples

This study’s main goal is to use hydrocooling and edible coating, associated with calcium, to preserve commercial fresh fruit quality, and extend the shelf life of cashew apples (Anacardium occidentale L.). The Cashews were subjected to four treatments: hydrocooling at 5 °C (HY), hydrocooling at 5 °C combined with calcium chloride application (HYCa), edible corn starch-based coating (EC), and edible corn starch-based coating enriched with calcium (ECCa). All treatments maintained under refrigeration for 25 days at 5 °C. The calcium application resulted in a firmer fruit, in lower pectin methylesterase and polyphenol oxidase activity, and the increase of soluble solids content. Hydrocooling was effective in reducing the peroxidase activity, in weight loss delay, in greater conservation of vitamin C, color, carotenoids and anthocyanins content, and, as consequence, in delaying the loss of visual quality. Corn starch-based coating 4% was not effective in maintaining the cashew apples quality, independently of the Ca presence.

Improvement Storability of ‘Angeleno’ Plum with the Combination of 1-Methylcyclopropene Treatment and Controlled Atmosphere Storage

The combined effects of postharvest 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) treatment and controlled atmosphere (CA) storage on storage life and quality of ‘Angeleno’ (Prunus salicina Lindl.) plum were investigated after being treated with 1-MCP (625 ng g-1) at room temperature for 12 h. Following the treatment, fruit were stored in normal atmosphere (NA) and CA (1% O2-3% CO2) at 0 ºC and 90±5% relative humidity for 120 d. Fruit firmness, weight loss, respiration rate, ethylene production, soluble solid content, titratable acidity, fruit skin color and sensorial evaluation (external appearance, taste and chilling injury) were performed at harvest date and one month intervals during storage. Only 1-MCP treatment delayed the change in properties related to fruit ripening such as fruit softening, decrease in titratable acidity and increase in soluble solid content. Nevertheless, these effects were significantly higher when 1-MCP-treated plums were stored in CA conditions. The highest color change was found in NA conditions. ‘Angeleno’ plum stored in CA conditions gave the best results in terms of some quality parameters during storage. The combination of 1-MCP and CA storage prolonged storage life of ‘Angeleno’ plum compared to other treatments. These result demonstrated that the postharvest 1-MCP treatment can be used in the cold storage of Angeleno plums.

VISUAL QUALITY AND PHYSICAL-CHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS IN POTATO TUBERS TREATED WITH HYDROGEN PEROXIDE

Unconventional techniques such as the use of visible ultraviolet light (UV-C) and physical treatments have been used to combat post-harvest diseases. Attention has been focused on the use of hydrogen peroxide, but little is known about its effects on the control of bacteria causing soft rot. The objective of this study was to evaluate the incidence of soft rot and physical-chemical and visual characteristics in potato tubers (Solanum tuberosum L.) treated with hydrogen peroxide. The experiment was conducted following a completely randomized design in subdivide plots scheme with four treatments: 0, 50, 100 and 150ppm of hydrogen peroxide whit an inoculated plot and a non inoculated. The visual aspects were evaluated by for to the incidence of soft rot appearance of shoots. pH, titratable acidity (% citric acid), soluble solids content, pulp firmness and total sugar content were used to determine post-harvest quality. Hydrogen peroxide was not effective in controlling soft rot in potato tubers, but increased the metabolic activity of tubers leading to an increase in soluble solids content and reduced in titratable acidity.

Fermentation of tender coconut water by probiotic bacteria Bacillus coagulans

Coconut water is currently being considered as an elixir for patients suffering from diseases like dengue and malaria as well as chikungunia to provide hydration properties to the body. It has become a popular beverage for many people owing to its palatability and high mineral content. In this study, the growth, survival and fermentation performance of the probiotic bacterium Bacillus coagulans in coconut water was assessed in order to produce a novel non-dairy, probiotic beverage. The species was characterized on the basis of morphology, physiology and biochemical parameters and its probiotic attributes were assessed. Batch fermentations were carried out for 2 days at a constant 37°C, thereafter the samples were subjected to microbiological and chemical analysis. The results suggested that the specie produced lactic acid and was acid and bile tolerant. The pH and titratable acidity of probiotic fermented coconut water were found to be 4.4 and 0.53 % lactic acid, respectively. The viscosity of fermented coconut water increased significantly from an initial 5.13 mPa.s to 5.35 mPa.s because of the increase in soluble solids content due to exopolysaccharide production by B. coagulans during fermentation. Also, the overall acceptability score of probiotic coconut water was higher than tender coconut water, suggesting its feasibility for use as a probiotic beverage.

Fermentation of tender coconut water by probiotic bacteria Bacillus coagulans

Coconut water is currently being considered as an elixir for patients suffering from diseases like dengue and malaria as well as chikungunia to provide hydration properties to the body. It has become a popular beverage for many people owing to its palatability and high mineral content. In this study, the growth, survival and fermentation performance of the probiotic bacterium Bacillus coagulans in coconut water was assessed in order to produce a novel non-dairy, probiotic beverage. The species was characterized on the basis of morphology, physiology and biochemical parameters and its probiotic attributes were assessed. Batch fermentations were carried out for 2 days at a constant 37°C, thereafter the samples were subjected to microbiological and chemical analysis. The results suggested that the specie produced lactic acid and was acid and bile tolerant. The pH and titratable acidity of probiotic fermented coconut water were found to be 4.4 and 0.53 % lactic acid, respectively. The viscosity of fermented coconut water increased significantly from an initial 5.13 mPa.s to 5.35 mPa.s because of the increase in soluble solids content due to exopolysaccharide production by B. coagulans during fermentation. Also, the overall acceptability score of probiotic coconut water was higher than tender coconut water, suggesting its feasibility for use as a probiotic beverage.