Quality Of Fresh-cut Research Articles

Varied Attributes of Jalapeño Pepper Cultivars Influence Fresh-cut Product Quality

During the past 40 years, the US fresh-cut product market has experienced a consistent increase in demand because consumers prioritize health and convenience. Increased interest in fresh-cut products and ready-to-eat vegetables has led to innovations in breeding, product selection, and packaging. However, despite the increased popularity of bell pepper and chile pepper (Capsicum annuum L.), research of fresh-cut jalapeño pepper is limited. This study was conducted to identify jalapeño cultivars that could be suitable as a raw fresh-cut product and explore measures beyond tissue membrane electrolyte leakage (EL) of processed products that may be useful for the identification of cultivars suitable for fresh-cut applications. A total of 22 fresh-cut parameters were examined across five cultivars of jalapeño peppers and 10 intercrosses of these cultivars, including visual quality based on an image analysis via a computer vision system, package headspace gas composition, tissue membrane EL, and texture. Based on our results, the genotypes were grouped into five clusters using a cluster analysis. Variables including tissue softening (r2 = 0.95), EL (r2 = 0.95), total energy of the mesocarp (r2 = 0.95), and package headspace carbon dioxide (CO2) partial pressure (r2 = 0.94) had strong associations with the cluster. A principal component analysis with biplots further confirmed the results. Cultivars Goliath and Emerald Fire and their hybrids in the first and second clusters showed good quality for fresh-cut applications. The fifth cluster, represented by a single cultivar, Jalapeño M, had the smallest physical size, rapid shelf-life decline, accumulated CO2 partial pressures, increased EL, and rapid tissue softening in comparison with the other genotypes. All jalapeño cultivars except Jalapeño M maintained good quality until day 14 postprocessing, and some maintained good quality until 21 days postprocessing. Hybrid crosses suggested that two of the cultivars evaluated, Goliath and Emerald Fire, were useful as parents when transferring superior fresh-cut quality traits to progeny. Traditionally, the EL level has been used as an index of freshness (or tissue deterioration). Our results showed that other quality analyses, including measurements of tissue softening via an imaging analysis, and physical analyses of tissue firmness can also be used as indices for the freshness of fresh-cut jalapeños. The results suggest that fruit size, wall thickness, and skin toughness might be useful as predictive measures in the field for the selection of jalapeño genotypes with superior fresh-cut quality.

Effect of carboxymethyl cellulose enriched with seabuckthorn (Hippophaerhamnoides L.) leaf extract edible coatings on the quality of fresh cut “Maharaji” apple

Enzymatic browning and microbial spoilage limits the shelf life of fresh-cut apples. Seabuckthorn leaf extract (ST), having effective anti-browning and antimicrobial properties, is incorporated into carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) coating and investigated for improving the shelf life of fresh-cut ‘Maharaji’ apple. In this study, apple slices were immersed in distilled water (control), CMC (1.0%), CMC (1%) + ST (0.5%), CMC (1%) + ST (1.0%), CMC (1%) + ST (1.5%) and CMC (1%) + ST (2.0%) and then stored at 4°C for 10 days. Composite coatings of CMC and ST significantly decreased the browning index by inhibiting the polyphenol enzyme activity, reducing the microbial spoilage compared to control or CMC alone without affecting the quality parameters like firmness, soluble solids, titrable acidity and sensory attributes. Among all the treatment combination, these findings suggest that apple slices appeared to be better preserved with CMC (1%) + ST (1.5%) coating for 10 days at 4°C. Therefore, Seabuckthorn leaf extract incorporated into carboxymethyl cellulose edible coating could be a promising approach to inhibit the browning process, microbial growth and increase the shelf life of fresh-cut apples.

UV‐C irradiation delays browning of fresh‐cut “Fuji” apples

In order to explore the effect and the corresponding physiological mechanisms of UV-C irradiation on browning of fresh-cut apples, both whole and sliced apple were irradiated with UV-C (254 nm) for 5 min before or after processing. The browning index (BI) of slices was immediately measured, while other relevant physiological parameters were evaluated on quick-frozen samples during refrigerated storage. Results indicated that both pre- and post-processing UV-C treatments effectively delayed browning of apple slices; nevertheless, post-processing UV-C treatment was more efficient. BI significantly negatively correlated with non-enzymatic capacities, and activities of catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, and glutathione reductase (GR). BI was positively correlated with the contents of H2O2 and malondialdehyde (MDA). These findings suggested that UV-C treatment delayed browning of apple slices during cold storage by improving the antioxidant system. Post-processing UV-C treatment was more efficient than pre-processing. Practical applications UV-C treatment is a technique of preservation for fresh-cut fruits. It is widely applied in food processing and many other fields due to its convenience, safety, low cost, etc. In the present study, both pre- and post-processing UV-C (254 nm) irradiation for 5 min could (1) delay the browning of fresh-cut apple, (2) improve the polyphenol oxidase activity and reduce the phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) activity and total phenolic content (TPC), and (3) reduce the accumulation of H2O2 and malondialdehyde, and increase the antioxidant activities of fresh-cut apples. Thus, UV-C treatments maintain the fresh-cut quality of fresh-cut apple slices and extend their shelf life.

Effects of hot water and calcium lactate treatments on fresh-cut quality of papaya

Purpose: Papaya is one of the most common fruits which has been produced in southern part of Iran for fresh consumption. Demand for fresh-cut products has increased due to the changes in consumer attitudes. However, fresh-cut papaya is prone to softening during storage. This study carried out to determine effects of calcium lactate and hot water treatments (HWT) for maintaining fresh-cut papaya quality. Research method: After preparing fresh cut cubes of papayas, the pieces were dipped in calcium lactate (CaL) or combined with HWT. Physico-chemical parameters including calcium concentration (Ca), firmness and soluble solids concentration, catalase and peroxidaseactivities, pectin methyl esterase (PME) and polygalacturonase activities (PG),total phenolic content and radical scavenging activities, and microbial growth were measured during 9 days of storage at 5 ◦C. Findings: At the end of storage, CaL treatment combined with HWT increased calcium (Ca) concentration, catalase activity, total phenolic content and radical scavenging activities (DPPH) of papaya slices, but decreased peroxidase, PG and PME activities compared to the control. In addition, these treatments reduced microbial growth compared to the control. Limitations: No limitations were encountered. Originality/Value: Both HWT with CaL showed potential for increasing markeabitity on fresh cut papaya with their generally recognized as safe status for consumers.

The impact of raw material selection for fresh-cut quality – with carrots as an example

The impact of raw material selection for fresh-cut quality – with carrots as an example

Uso de aditivos y métodos físicos para mantener la calidad de los productos de IV gama o mínimamente procesados

Los productos de IV gama o mínimamente procesados son los sometidos a una serie de operaciones unitarias, tales como pelado, cortado, lavado y desinfección, entre otros, que modifican su apariencia pero que mantienen vivos sus tejidos. El mantenimiento de la calidad organoléptica nutricional y funcional de los productos de IV gama o mínimamente procesados hace necesario reducir procesos de deterioro como el pardeamiento enzimático y el ablandamiento. El control de estos procesos se realiza a través de aditivos químicos. En el caso del pardeamiento enzimático se emplean, entre otros, acidulantes y agentes quelantes, mientras que las sales de calcio son utilizadas para el mantenimiento de la firmeza. Sin embargo, la tendencia actual de reducir la utilización de aditivos químicos genera la necesidad de desarrollar métodos alternativos para el control de los procesos de deterioro, cobrando importancia los métodos físicos, entre los que se encuen-tran los tratamientos térmicos y las radiaciones ionizantes y no ionizantes (UV-C, microondas, ultrasonido). Por otra parte, tanto los métodos químicos como los físicos poseen una actividad limitada. Su combinación determina efectos sinérgicos (tecnologías de obstáculos) que conducen a una mayor preservación de la calidad. En este trabajo se aborda el uso de los aditivos químicos y los tratamientos físicos, tanto solos como combinados, para controlar el ablandamiento y el pardeamiento enzimático en productos de IV gama.

Storage of fresh-cut lettuce at light levels below the light compensation point increases sugar levels and greatly prolongs the shelf-life

The quality of fresh-cut butterhead lettuce held at 12°C was greatly improved when the product was stored under low levels of light, provided by either fluorescent tubes, or red, blue or green LEDs. Although the applied light level (5 μmol m -2 s -1 photosynthetically active radiation) was well below the light compensation point, significant accumulation of carbohydrates (sugars and starch) was observed. The level of carbohydrates positively correlated with the shelf-life. Photosynthetic activity was low and net photosynthesis during storage was negative and cannot account for the observed accumulation of carbohydrates. Treating the leaf pieces with an inhibitor of photosynthetic electron transport, 3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethylurea (DCMU), diminished the light-induced sugar accumulation and the beneficial effect of light on fresh-cut quality. Currently, it is not clear which processes are responsible for the sugar accumulation in light-stored samples. We hypothesize that, under low light conditions, sugars may be produced through the processing of chloroplast degradation products in the glyoxysome, subsequent production of malate and oxaloacetate and production of glucose through reversal of the glycolysis pathway (gluconeogenesis).

Preharvest factors and fresh-cut quality of leafy vegetables

Preharvest factors and fresh-cut quality of leafy vegetables

Heritability of Fresh-cut Fruit Quality Attributes in Capsicum

Fresh pepper (Capsicum) fruit that are sliced and/or diced are referred to as fresh-cut products. The current report evaluates the inheritance of postharvest attributes that contribute to pepper fresh-cut quality. Marketable green fruit of large-fruited Capsicum annuum accessions with bell and related pod types (Class 1), C. annuum accessions with jalapeno and serrano pod types (Class 2), and thin-walled “aji”-like tabasco pod types from Capsicum baccatum, Capsicum frutescens, and Capsicum chinense (Class 3) were processed and stored up to 14 days in selective oxygen transmission rate packaging. Fresh-cut attributes were influenced by genotype as well as year. For all pod types, O2 and CO2 partial pressures in storage packages, tissue weight loss, and electrolyte leakage differed among accessions, days of storage, and years of testing. Percent O2 declined and CO2 and electrolyte leakage generally increased during storage. Some accessions in Class 1 and Class 2 maintained acceptable product quality during storage. Changes in fruit weight loss were small with greater weight loss observed in Class 1 accessions relative to weight loss for Class 2 and Class 3. Broad-sense heritability for fresh-cut attributes was moderate to low indicating that it will be difficult to breed for fresh-cut quality.

Variability of sensory profile and quality characteristics for ‘Pesca di Bivona’ and ‘Pesca di Leonforte’ peach (Prunus persica Batsch) fresh-cut slices during storage

Peach genotypes in Southern Italy include the white-flesh ‘Pesca di Bivona’ (‘Murtiddara’, ‘Bianca’, ‘Agostina’ and ‘Settembrina’) and the yellow-flesh ‘Pesca di Leonforte’ (‘Settembrina’, ‘Giallone’ and ‘Ottobrina’) landraces, with non-melting clingstone fruit, characterized by a persistent aroma and an excellent flavor that is highly appreciated by consumers. The aim of this work was to assess the suitability of these white- and yellow-flesh landraces to be processed as fresh-cut product with regard to the persistence of their quality and sensory profiles. Fruit of ‘Pesca di Bivona’ and ‘Pesca di Leonforte’ landraces were cut into slices and stored at 5°C for 3, 5, 7, 12d. Fresh-cut slices’ color (L*, B-index, ΔE, Croma and Hue°) appearance, crunchiness, ascorbic acid and phenolics content were measured and sensory profiles were evaluated at each sampling date, together with CO2 content in the package. The yellow-flesh ‘Settembrina di Leonforte’ and the white-flesh ‘Settembrina di Bivona’ had the best visual score during the storage period, accompanied by the lowest degree of the browning index and the highest scores of all sensory descriptors at each sampling date. The browning index and the hedonic evaluation of flesh firmness were the best markers of fresh-cut quality, being highly correlated to the visual score and overall liking. The overall liking of the fresh-cut slices was correlated to the visual score and the flesh firmness in both white-flesh and yellow-flesh landraces.

Nitric oxide prevents wound-induced browning and delays senescence through inhibition of hydrogen peroxide accumulation in fresh-cut lettuce

As a source of bioactive ingredients, lettuce is a preferable component of a healthy diet. In recent years the production of fresh-cut produce has become a fast growing business. However, the shreds are highly sensitive to wound-induced browning and premature senescence that substantially reduces the visual and sensory qualities and shortens the shelf life. To improve the fresh-cut quality, in this work, short pre-storage exposure of shreds from butterhead and iceberg lettuce to nitric oxide (NO) gas was applied. It was found that fumigation with 100 and 200 ppm NO for 1 or 2 h remarkably inhibited the browning of the cut surface and of other injured leaf areas; NO treatment delayed the senescence and substantially prolonged the shelf life upon storage at 4 °C and 12 °C. To obtain information on the physiological processes involved in the wound response, the generation of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and the occurrence of cell death were analyzed. The results revealed that the wounding stimulated the accumulation of H2O2 thus generating oxidative stress leading to cell death. A correlation between elevated H2O2 levels, cut surface browning, senescence and storability of the fresh-cuts was established. In comparison to mature leaves, younger leaves expressed a lesser susceptibility to wound-induced browning and the associated oxidative stress. Applied NO strongly inhibited the H2O2 accumulation which may explain its beneficial effects.

Storage of intact heads prior to processing limits the shelf-life of fresh-cut Lactuca sativa L.

Harvested lettuce heads are usually transported and stored for some period of time under a variety of conditions prior to processing. During storage, especially under suboptimal conditions, nutritional composition of the harvested produce continues to change. The possible impact of prior storage of the heads on the performance of the fresh-cut product has not been quantified, and was the aim of this study. The experiments were performed with three related genotypes of Lactuca sativa L. (butterhead lettuce): two green varieties and one red variety. The effect of prior storage on quality parameters in the stored whole heads and on subsequent fresh-cut quality performance was investigated. In addition, the effect of prior storage of heads with and without their root system and the application of light during storage were investigated. The changes in visual quality, the levels of energy reserves, and some selected senescence markers, i.e. chlorophyll content and electrolyte leakage were evaluated. Despite the relatively high storage temperature of 12°C, the intact heads still looked fresh even after 17 days of storage. However, a decline in the soluble sugars, a decrease in chlorophyll, and an increase in electrolyte leakage were observed with advancing storage duration. Prior storage of intact heads greatly decreased the shelf-life of the fresh-cut product prepared from these heads. Storage of rooted heads and the continuous application of light (above the light compensation point) did not alter the effect of prior storage of the heads on the quality of the fresh-cut product.

MICROBIOLOGY AND QUALITY OF FRESH-CUT 'KIMJU' GUAVA TREATED WITH HOT WATER

MICROBIOLOGY AND QUALITY OF FRESH-CUT 'KIMJU' GUAVA TREATED WITH HOT WATER

Physiological, Volatile, and SEM Surface Effects Resulting from Cutting and Dipping Treatments in Cantaloupe

Previous research examined sanitation treatments on cut cantaloupe tissue to deliver germicidal and food safety effects. However, an apparent compromise between volatile loss and treatment/sampling efficacy appeared. Subsequently, a physiological and volatile reassessment of thinly sliced tissue against cubes was performed in cantaloupe tissue. Thin sliced cantaloupe L* decreased 27.5%, 40.5%, and 52.9% in 3, 2, and 1 mm thickness, respectively, compared with cut cubes after 3 d. Overall color (C) decreased in freshly prepared cubes (2.4%) and slices (14.4%) that were washed in cold water. Surface area per unit volume (SA: vol) in slices was 4.1 times greater than typical cubes, as reflected by substantial water loss (20.4%, 9.5%, and 6.7% in 1, 2 and 3-mm slices, respectively) after 1 d at 5 °C. Rinsing cubes and thin-slices with 5 °C deionized water resulted in roughly 15% soluble solids loss. SEM indicated 65.4% reduced cell size in 1-d old thin slices, evidenced by excessive cell damage and desiccation compared with stored fresh-cut cubes. In thin-sliced tissue exposed 15 min to an open atmosphere (mimic sanitation treatments), total esters decreased 92.8% and 95.8%, respectively, after 1 and 3 d storage at 5 °C. Washing tissue provided a boundary layer that reduced short-term ester losses in slices and cubes. Excessive cutting, sanitation treatment regimes, and storage can radically alter the desirable volatile profile of cut cantaloupe. Reduction of tissue size to maximize food-safety sanitation efficacy or delivering items to a niche market will need substantial work to engineer equipment and develop protocols to insure that product quality and volatiles are not compromised. We have demonstrated that cutting method and sampling protocol are critically important when using volatiles as a means by which to assess or interpret stress response and ascribe fresh-cut quality. Reduction of tissue size to maximize food-safety sanitation efficacy (for example, thin slices) will need substantial work to engineer equipment and design protocols to insure product quality and volatile profiles are not compromised.

GENETIC BACKGROUND OF QUALITY AND CELL WALL CHANGES IN FRESH-CUT MELONS

Fresh-cut melon is a growing and convenient segment ot melon products. Melon cultivars were not bred specifically for fresh-cut processing, and the genetic bases for fresh-cut quality are unknown. We examined the link between fresh-cut quality, cell wall changes, and genetics in three near-isogenic lines (NILs) of melon (Cucumis melo L.) and in a 'Piel de Sapo' (PS) cultivar during a 9-day storage period at 4°C. The three NILs differed in initial firmness and differences persisted throughout storage of fresh-cut melon. Juice efflux was negatively correlated with flesh firmness. The climacteric NIL SC3-5-1 was softer and had higher juice efflux than the remaining NILs of the parental line PS. Fresh-cut prepared from NILs SC7-2 and SC10-2 were firmer and generally released less juice than SC3-5-1 and PS. Chelator-soluble pectins of SC3-5-1 exhibited a marked molecular size downshift during a 6-day storage period in SC3-5-1, but no significant differences in molecular size distribution were observed in the other NILs. Apparently two different quantitative trait loci (QTL) with pleiotropic effect were affecting flesh firmness and juice efflux. One QTL located in the linkage group (LG) III increased pectin depolymerisation, which was probably associated with climacteric behavior. Another two QTLs in LG VII and X were associated with initial firmness levels.

QUALITY MAINTENANCE OF FRESH PRODUCE

High quality is essential for the successful marketing of fresh fruits and vegetables. The maintenance of quality after harvest is critical. Postharvest quality is modulated by both internal and external factors. Four areas in which significant advances in quality maintenance have been made over the past decade are critiqued. These include: 1) inhibition of ethylene action with 1-methylcyclopropene; 2) postharvest treatments to maintain the quality of fresh cut produce; 3) modified atmosphere, active, and intelligent packaging technologies; and 4) increasing selection for postharvest quality traits and quality stability in fruit and vegetable breeding programs. New innovations in quality maintenance will increasingly improve consumer satisfaction, convenience and safety.

THE EFFECTS OF DISINFECTANT ON THE QUALITY LOSS OF FRESH CUT PRODUCE

ClO 2 has taken the place of NaOCl as a disinfectant more and more in water treatment, postharvest disinfection, food processing and pharmacy. As an oxidant with high oxidative potential, ClO 2 can pose a large threat to color change and nutrition quality of fresh cut produce. In order to investigate the potential nutritional loss caused by ClO 2 , a slice of fresh cut lettuce and potato were immersed in 2 gradient concentration solutions of ClO 2 , each immersion for 5 or 10 minutes, centrifuged and packed in PE package. Vitamin C content in fresh cut lettuce, protein content in potato were examined and ClO 2 residue in fresh cut produce were also evaluated. The studies showed almost no ClO 2 residue could be detected after 24h treatment, but after a high concentration immersion, fresh cut lettuce displayed water-soaked specks that affected the overall visual quality. No such specks were noticed on potato. Potato browning was noticed and persisted when potatoes were directly immersed in ClO 2 solution after being cut. The browning was almost retarded only if the freshly cut fresh cut potato was first flooded by running water. The disinfectant slightly retarded Vitamin C loss in cut lettuce, but had almost no effects on protein content in potato. ClO 2 has demonstrated to be a much more efficient disinfectant and browning inhibitor than NaOCl, but the heavy smell during the solution preparation limits its extensive application due to potential occupational health and safety problems.

TECHNOLOGICAL STRATEGIES FOR ASSURING AND MAINTAINING THE QUALITY OF MINIMALLY PROCESSED LETTUCE (LACTUCA SATIVA L.)

Development of novel approaches for assuring the quality of vegetables depends on a better understanding of the influence of preharvest factors, vegetable physiology and other functional components as affected by storage and handling. The objectives of this research includes different aspects: a) to reduce nitrate accumulation in lettuce crop cultivated in hydroponic system, b) to determine the influence of type nitrogen application in a field lettuce crop on the quality of fresh cut produce according to sowing date and genotype used, and c) to evaluate different calcium treatments as a technology to enhance the storage life of the produce.[...]

Conservação de mamão 'Formosa' minimamente processado armazenado sob refrigeração

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a qualidade de produtos minimamente processados de mamão 'Formosa', fatias ou metades, armazenados sob diferentes temperaturas (3ºC, 6ºC e 9ºC). Utilizou-se de frutos que, depois de selecionados quanto ao grau de maturação e ausência de danos, foram lavados, desinfeccionados com cloro (200 mg.L-1) e armazenados a 12ºC, por 12 horas antes do processamento, que foi feito manualmente, a 12ºC. Os mamões, depois de descascados, foram cortados em fatias (5,0 x 2,5 cm) ou em metades longitudinais sem as pontas, que, depois de enxaguadas com água sanitizada (20 mg de cloro.L-1) e escorridas por 2-3 minutos, foram embaladas em bandejas de isopor recobertas com filme de PVC esticável (metades) ou em bandejas de tereftalato de polietileno - PET (fatias) e imediatamente armazenadas sob refrigeração. A avaliação destes produtos foi feita a cada 3 dias, quanto à resistência da polpa, coloração, pH e conteúdos de sólidos solúveis, acidez titulável, ácido ascórbico e de carboidratos, solúveis e de redutores. Durante o armazenamento, as fatias tenderam a se tornarem mais firmes, com a sua polpa apresentando pequeno escurecimento. Os conteúdos de carboidratos solúveis e de redutores e de sólidos solúveis não foram afetados pelo tipo de corte, temperatura de armazenamento ou embalagem. Durante o armazenamento, os teores de acidez titulável aumentaram nas fatias e diminuíram nas metades e observou-se influência da temperatura. Não se observaram reduções nos teores de ácido ascórbico durante o armazenamento, ou influência dos cortes ou das embalagens. Os produtos mantiveram-se adequados para comercialização até o 10º dia de armazenamento.

Correlation of Increased Alternative Oxidase Gene Expression With Reduced Chilling Injury in Cold-stored Tomatoes (Lycopersicon esculentum)

Methyl salicylate (MeSA) and Methyl jasmonate (MeJA) treatments increased chilling resistance of light red tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum cv. Beefsteak) and extended shelf life and fresh-cut quality. We previously showed induction of AOX expression by low temperature and that induction of AOX transcript by MeSA and MeJA is correlated with resistance against chilling injury in peppers. Here, we investigate tomato, which is genetically closely related to peppers and belongs to the same Solanaceae family. In particular, we used four EST tomato clones of AOX from the public database that belong to two distinctly related families, 1 and 2 defined in plants. Three clones designated as LeAOX1a, 1b and 1c and the fourth clone as LeAOX2. Probes for these four genes were designed and Southern blotting done to confirm that they do not cross-hybridize. We will present data from Southern, Northern hybridization and RT-PCR to show: (1) gene copy number of each of these AOX members in the tomato genome; (2) gene-specific expression profiles in response to MeSA and MeJA in cold stored tomato; and (3) the relative transcript abundance of these four AOX genes.