Simulated Retail Conditions Research Articles

Effect of pretreatments on the preservation of quality attributes of dried pomegranate arils during simulated retail conditions

ISHS V International Symposium on Pomegranate and Minor Mediterranean Fruits Effect of pretreatments on the preservation of quality attributes of dried pomegranate arils during simulated retail conditions

Synergy of 1-MCP and hypobaric treatments prevent fermented flavour and improve consumers' acceptability of 'Shughri' pear.

Development of fermented flavour during storage reduces acceptability of Shughri pear. Therefore, the current study was designed to investigate the combined effect of 1-Methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) and hypobaric treatment on stability of Shughri pear during 120days of storage. Fruit were treated individually or combinedly with 25, 50, and 75 kilo pascal hypobaric treatments for 4h and 1-MCP (0.3 μLL-1 and 0.6 μLL-1) for 24h, whereas control received no treatment. The pears were stored for 120days at (0 ± 1°C, 85 ± 5% RH), and were evaluated after every 30days. After cold storage, pears were shifted to simulated retail conditions (20 ± 3°C, 65 ± 5% RH). The combination of 25kPa + 0.6 μLL-1 1-MCP significantly (P ≤ 0.05) delayed fruit ripening, reduced Alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH), and Pyruvate decarboxylase (PDC) activities, maintained the quality, and led to higher consumers' acceptability of the pear followed by 50kPa + 0.6 μLL-1 and 25kPa + 0.3 μLL-1. The control fruit were marketable for a week after storage with relatively less acceptability due to fermented flavour compared to treated fruit, marketable for more than two weeks. Among all the treatments, the synergy of 1-MCP and hypobaric treatment 25kPa + 0.6 μLL-1 1-MCP improved the postharvest storage life and quality parameters, preventing development of fermented flavour in the pears. The experiment was conducted on pilot scale, for commercial application, the results of this study should be validated on large scale.

Comparison of Three Cooling Methods (Hydrocooling, Forced-Air Cooling and Slush Icing) and Plastic Overwrap on Broccoli Quality during Simulated Commercial Handling

Broccoli is a highly perishable crop, due to its high respiration rate, and rapidly loses quality under inappropriate handling temperatures. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of commercial hydrocooling (HY), forced-air cooling (FA) or slushed-ice cooling (SI) on the quality and shelf-life of two commercial broccoli cultivars (‘Marathon’ and ‘Eastern Crown’) grown in northeast Florida during the early spring season. Following HY and FA, individual bunches (‘Marathon’) or crowns (‘Eastern Crown’) were placed in plastic film bags and stored at 1 °C for 7 days then transferred to 5 °C for 8 days to simulate retail conditions. It was found that HY removed the field heat 3.6 and 4.8 times faster than FA and SI, respectively. For both cultivars, using a texture analyzer, broccoli cooled by SI were softer (20.4 to 27.9 N) with higher head deformation than those by HY or FA (45.6 to 58.9 N) after 15 days of storage. Overall appearance of both cultivars decreased during storage if infected in the field by the fungal pathogen Alternaria brassicicola, which causes black spot disease. However, by the end of storage ‘Eastern Crown’ had a higher quality rating (6.2) than ‘Marathon’ (5.4). Broccoli floret moisture content was not affected during storage; however, ‘Marathon’ had higher moisture content (94.7%) than ‘Eastern Crown’ (89.2%). Yellowing was expressed more for ‘Marathon’, which had higher chroma* value (21.4) and lower hue* angle (h*) (122.3) value than ‘Eastern Crown’ after 7 days at 1 °C, plus 8 days at 5 °C. Carotenoid content was similar for both cultivars at harvest (2.3 mg/100 g) then decreased 39% for ‘Marathon’ and 12% for ‘Eastern Crown’ by day 15. Total chlorophyll was similar for both cultivars throughout storage (22.6 mg/100 g). Ascorbic acid decreased for both cultivars during storage but was higher in ‘Eastern Crown’ (92.0 to 101.9 mg/100 g) compared to ‘Marathon’ (80.7 to 88.6 mg/100 g). Hydrocooling and forced-air plus overwrapping have potential to reduce cooling costs during commercial handling.

Hypobaric treatment augments the efficacy of 1-MCP in apple fruit.

This research aimed to extend the postharvest shelf life of Royal Gala apple during cold storage and maintain its market value in simulated retail conditions. Apples were treated with hypobaric pressure (50kPa for 4h) followed by 1-MCP (0.5µL L-1, 0.7µL L-1, and 1.0µL L-1) treatment for 24h individually and in combinations, stored at (1 ± 1°C, 85 ± 3% RH) for 120d and analyzed for different quality parameters (Peel color, firmness, weight loss, TSS, acidity, ethylene production rate, and respiration rate) at each 30 d interval, followed by a 20 d simulated retail condition at 20 ± 3°C with 4 d interval. Results indicated that all 1-MCP concentrations were more effective in retaining quality compared to individual hypobaric treatment. However, a synergistic effect was observed by combining 1-MCP with hypobaric treatment. Among the combined treatments, 1.0µL L-11-MCP + 50kPa more effectively and significantly retained quality during cold storage. Furthermore, the apples were more juicy, tasty, and attractive in color than others in simulated conditions. Addition of hypobaric treatment to 1-MCP might reduce endogenous ethylene in fruit by outward diffusion and blocking further ethylene synthesis by the action of 1-MCP. However, in-depth study is required for further understanding the phenomena.

50 Implications of a Thermoforming Vacuum Packaging or Overwrap Packaging Method on a Simulated Retail Display of Longissimus Lumborum Steaks

Abstract Fresh surface color of beef remains a focus for consumers at the time of purchasing in the retail sector. The objective of this study was to evaluate instrumental surface color, expert color evaluation, and lipid oxidation (TBARS) on beef longissimus lumborum steaks packaged using recycle-ready film (RRF) or polyvinyl chloride overwrap (PVC). Paired strip loins (IMPS # 180), fabricated from beef carcasses (n = 7) 10 d postmortem, cut into 2.54 cm-thick steaks, and assigned to one of two packaging treatments RRF (OTR = 0.8 cc/m2/24 h) or PVC (OTR = 14,000 cc/m2/24 h). Steaks were stored under simulated retail conditions (3 °C ± 1.5 °C) in a LED (2297 lux) lighted, three-tiered retail cabinet, rotated daily among shelves for 35 days. From d 0 to 35 objective surface color was captured every 5 days to record changes in lightness (L*), redness (a*), yellowness (b*), Chroma, Hue Angle, and calculated values of spectral wavelengths (Red to Brown, Oxymyoglobin, Deoxymyoglobin, & Metmyoglobin) using a HunterLab colorimeter. Steaks packaged in RRF became lighter (L*) as display period increased (P < 0.05), whereas steaks packaged in PVC became darker (P < 0.05). Redness (a*) values were greatest (P < 0.05) for PVC steaks until day 5, whereas RRF steaks had greater (P < 0.05) surface redness from day 10 to 35 of the display period. Calculated spectral values red to brown were greater (P < 0.05) for steaks in RRF than PVC. Expert color evaluators rated RRF steaks having less browning and less discoloration (P < 0.05) from day 5 to 35 of display. Lipid oxidation was greater (P < 0.05) for PVC steaks from day 10 through day 35 of the display. These results suggest that the use of RRF vacuum packaging for beef steaks is plausible and can maintain surface color characteristics during extended display periods.

Benefits of modified atmosphere packaging in maintaining ‘Hayward’ kiwifruit quality at room temperature retail conditions

ABSTRACT Modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) is a promising approach to extend the storage life of kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa) and reduce food waste at retail. To investigate the effect of MAP on maintaining fruit quality during post-storage shelf life, ‘Hayward’ kiwifruit were stored in MAP or air (perforated polyethylene film) at 1°C 60%–70% RH for 35 days before being repacked in either perforated film (air), a non-perforated (MAP) retail bag or in MAP with an ethylene scrubber (ES) and stored at 20°C 67%–70% RH for 10 days (simulating retail conditions). The atmospheres created by MAP were 12%–15% O2 + 3%–4% CO2 at 1°C and 12%–16% O2 + 7%–10% CO2 at 20°C. MAP reduced kiwifruit softening during coolstorage, and this benefit was maintained during subsequent shelf life. However, MAP in simulated retail conditions benefited only weight loss and SSC. Ethylene was detected only in retail bags with rotten fruit, including one with an ES, suggesting that an ES may not be sufficient to manage ethylene in retail conditions. The application of MAP in retail as a means of reducing fruit losses at the end of the supply chain requires further research attention.

Effect of Chitosan-24-Epibrassinolide Composite Coating on the Quality Attributes of Late-Harvested Pomegranate Fruit under Simulated Commercial Storage Conditions.

This study evaluated the efficacy of chitosan (CH) functionalized with 24-epibrassinolide (EBR) coating in terms of preserving the postharvest quality of late-harvested pomegranate (cv. Wonderful) fruit. Late-harvested pomegranate fruit were immersed for 3 min in different surface treatment solutions—CH 1.5% (w/v), CH + 2 µM EBR, CH + 5 µM EBR, CH + 10 µM EBR and CH + 15 µM EBR—and distilled water was used as a control treatment. The fruit were air-dried and subjected to long storage duration at 5 °C with 85 ± 5 RH for 12 weeks. At 4-week sampling intervals, a batch of fruits was placed at 21 ± 2 °C and 65–70% RH for a further 3 d period to simulate retail conditions before measurements were taken. Fruit physiological responses, physico-chemical properties, phytochemical contents, antioxidant capacity and physiological disorders were monitored during storage. The results showed that the CH-EBR composite edible coatings significantly (p < 0.05) delayed degradative processes due to senescence. The CH-EBR treatments delayed colour, texture and total soluble solids (TSS) degradation and reduced weight loss, respiration, electrolyte leakage and spoilage compared to the control and CH treatment. The treatment effect was more noticeable on fruit treated with CH + 10 µM EBR, which exhibited lower weight loss (18.19%), respiration rate (7.72 mL CO2 kg−1 h−1), electrolyte leakage (27.54%) and decay (12.5%), and maintained higher texture (10.8 N) and TSS (17.67 °Brix) compared to the untreated fruit with respective values of 24.32%, 18.06 mL CO2 kg−1 h−1, 43.15%, 37.5%, 8.32 N and 17.03 °Brix. This was largely attributed to the significantly higher antioxidant content, including the ascorbic acid content, total phenol content, total anthocyanin content and DPPH (radical scavenging activity), of the coated fruit compared to the control fruit. Therefore, CH + 10 µM EBR treatment is recommended as a postharvest management strategy to improve the quality preservation of late-harvested pomegranate fruit during storage.

Effects of chitosan coatings fused with medicinal plant extracts on postharvest quality and storage stability of purple passion fruit (Passiflora edulisvar. Ester)

AbstractChitosan edible coating (Ch; 2%, mass concentration) enriched with 2% of 0.1 mg/L Bidens pilosa (Ch+B), Lippia javanica (Ch+L), Syzygium cordatum (Ch+S), or Ximenia caffra (Ch+X) was applied as a composite edible coating in alleviating shrivel and maintaining the quality of purple passion fruit (Passiflora edulis var. Ester). Treated fruit was dipped for 3 min in the coating solution, and control fruit was dipped in distilled water. The fruit were stored at (8±2) °C and 90%±5% relative humidity (RH) for 32 d. Sampling was done every 8 d plus 3 d ((20±2) °C and (50%±5%) RH) to simulate retail conditions. Efficacy of medicinal plant extracts in the chitosan matrix varied; lower ethylene production (82.42 µL C2H4/(kg·h)) was seen in fruit coated with Ch+S, and the lowest respiration rate (75 mL CO2/(kg·h)) was observed in fruit coated with Ch+B. The control fruit showed the highest ethylene production (84.90 µL C2H4/(kg·h)) and respiration rate (117.98 mL CO2/(kg·h)). Fruit coated with Ch+B had the lowest weight loss (41.67%), higher juice content (60.13%) and BrimA (3.31); while the control fruit had the highest weight loss (88.03%), lowest juice content (21.90%), and BrimA (2.49). Shrivel incidence was lowest (23.70%) on fruit coated with Ch+L and highest (83.30%) on the control fruit. Fruit coated with Ch+X had the lowest electrolyte leakage (71.40%), while the control fruit had the highest (91.97%). Fruit coated with chitosan alone performed better than the control fruit but did not exceed the quality of composite chitosan-coated fruit. Based on the principal component analysis, it can be concluded that passion fruit coated with Ch+B was more effective in alleviating shrivel incidence, better maintained the quality of passion fruit during storage, and shows potential for commercial applications.

Effect of ozonated water combined with sodium bicarbonate on microbial load and shelf life of cold stored clementine (Citrus clementina Hort. ex Tan.)

The effect of 3 mg L−1 ozonated water (O3) in combination with 3% sodium bicarbonate (SBC), on the microbial control and the postharvest quality of cold stored Clementine fruit (C. clementina Hort. ex Tan.), compared to the single treatments and the water wash, was evaluated. After treatments fruits were stored for 30 days at 5 ± 1 °C and relative humidity (RH) 90 % followed by seven days at 20 ± 2 °C and RH 75 %, to simulate retail conditions (shelf life). Microbial reduction, decay incidence, physiological disorders, weight loss, rheological properties (deformation and firmness) physical-chemical parameters (colour, total soluble solids, titratable acidity, ascorbic acid) and sensory quality were evaluated soon after treatments during fruit cold storage (T10, T20, T30) and after 7 days of shelf-life (T30 + 7).The results showed that integrated treatments (O3+SBC) greatly reduced the total viable count (more than 1 log unit), during the first 10 days of storage (T10), if compared to the other treatments. Moreover, O3+SBC reduced significantly the decay incidence during the whole storage (2.6 % at T30; 10.9 % at T30 + 7) with respect to the control (27.3 % at T30; 45.5 % at T30 + 7). In particular, the control of sour rots (Galactomyces citri-aurantii E.E. Butler) in treated fruits was observed. Our findings did not highlight noticeable changes among treatments concerning fruits weight loss, physiological disorders, chemical composition and sensory analysis.

Modified humidity packaging of potted roses

Wilting of potted plants in the distribution chain is a common problem in the ornamental sector. It is attributed to water loss by evapotranspiration – a process regulated by many factors including relative humidity (RH). Use of modified humidity packaging can be an option to reduce weight loss from potted plants by creating an optimal RH in the plant canopy. Different packaging configurations (bags and sleeves made from different packaging films) were developed and tested for potted roses. Packaged plants were first stored for 4 d at simulated transport conditions (16 °C, 86 % RH, darkness) then 7 d at simulated retail conditions (19−20 °C, 43–52 % RH, 12 h low light) and after that packaged plants were unpacked and stored for 6 d at simulated household conditions (19−20 °C, 43–52 % RH, 12 h low light). The packaging films were bi-axially oriented polypropylene (OPP), polylactic acid (PLA) and NatureFlexTM (NFX). Less water was lost by plants in bags than in sleeves made from same films and water loss was determined by the water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) of films. WVTR was the lowest for OPP bags and the highest for NFX bags. Due to guttation and leaf wetness in OPP bags, PLA bags were chosen for a validation test. Keeping potted roses in PLA bags for up to 11 days did not exhibit any negative effect on the keeping quality (leaf yellowing/wilting and flower/bud wilting) when compared to commercial OPP sleeves but the weight loss was reduced 2.6–3.8 times. Consequently, modified humidity packaging, and PLA bags in particular, is a promising alternative packaging solution for potted roses. However, further research is needed before this technology can be implemented.

The Optimization of the Concentrations of Sodium Lactate (Nal), Sodium Erythorbate (Nae), and Sodium Bicarbonate (Nab) Applied to Beef Trimmings for Ground Beef Production

ObjectivesThe objective of the study was to identify optimal concentrations of NaL, NaE and NaB applied to beef trimmings to assess their impact on quality of ground beef patties.Materials and MethodsBeef trimmings (∼50kg) were fabricated from beef forequarters (N = 5) 14 d postmortem, combined and aerobically stored (5°C) for an additional 6 d to simulate the collection, storage, transportation and receipt of a combo of beef trimmings. A 23 central composite response surface design (RSM) was used to generate 15 treatment combinations containing NaL (0.1–1.5 M), NaE (0.1–0.6 M), and NaB (0.1–1.5 M) with water used as a control. After aerobic storage, the beef trimmings (∼20% fat) were coarse ground (12 mm) and the treatment/control solution applied to the coarse ground trimmings (∼454 g) at 2% (w/w). The trimmings were reground (3 mm) and 120 g of treated sample was placed into a Petri dish and overwrapped with oxygen permeable film (OTR: 21,700 cc/m2/24h at 25°C) to form patties. The patties (2 per treatment/control) were stored under simulated retail conditions: 5°C, cool white fluorescent light (200–300 lux) and analyzed at Day 0, 3, 6, and 9 of storage to assess the effectiveness of each treatment in preventing further quality deterioration. Objective color (L*, a*, b*), 2-thiobarbituric acid (TBA) determinations, GC–MS for off-odor assessment and aerobic plate counts (APC) were conducted. The least squares means of results were generated by one-way ANOVA and Tukey HSD to identify significant differences (P &lt; 0.05) between treatment and control patties. For RSM and multivariate RSM analyses, the data was used to generate total quadratic polynomial linear regression models and contour plots to determine the optimum ingredient concentrations for the solution.ResultsThe a* values of treated indicated a redder surface color from Day 0 to Day 9 (P &lt; 0.05). No difference was observed for treated and control patties for TBA and hexanal counts on Day 0. The TBA values for all treatments reduced lipid oxidation compared to the control on Day 3, 6, and 9 (0.47– 0.58 vs. 0.71, 0.51– 0.58 vs. 0.74 and 0.45– 0.62 vs. 0.74, respectively; P &lt; 0.05). No differences were observed for treated and control patties for APC from Day 0 to Day 6, except on Day 9 (8.10 vs. 8.21 Log10 CFU/g; P &lt; 0.05). Based on these results, a* and TBA values were used to conduct RSM analyses for Day 3 and 6. Day 9 was excluded due to a significant lack of fit. The predicted value of hexanal was 0 for all treatments. The prediction of TBA values found optimum ingredient concentrations on Day 6: NaL (0.74 M), NaE (0.35 M) and NaB (1.00 M) (R2 = 0.77, respectively; P &lt; 0.05). The prediction of a* values on Day 3 and 6 did not identify optimum ingredient concentrations for any treatment solution (R = 0.94 and 0.78, respectively; P &lt; 0.05). Multivariate RSM was conducted to overlap the contour plots of a* and TBA values at Day 3 and 6 to better approximate the optimal ingredient concentrations for a* values. The proximal optimum concentration ranges of solutions based on the analysis were 0.3- 0.5 M NaL, 0.35 M NaE and 1M NaB with predicted a* values &gt; 11 and TBA values &lt; 0.52.ConclusionResults of this study suggest that a combination of NaB, NaE, and NaL can be applied to improve color stability, reduce lipid oxidation, and control off-odor of ground beef patties.

Effects of Divergently Selected Broiler Lines for Meat Color on Pseudomonas Growth Under Simulated Retail Display

ObjectivesSelection of broilers based on L* values have affected the meat pH of broiler breast meat. The objective is to determine if the selection of L* values have affected Pseudomonas ssp. growth under simulated retail display.Materials and MethodsBroilers from the 13th generation of three different lines (n = 30/line) selected for high L* (HMC), low L* (LMC) and a random bred control (RBC) were harvested at 7 wk of age. Carcasses were weighed and deboned after a 4 h postmortem (PM) chill. Parts were weighed to determine parts yield based on chilled carcass weight. Meat pH was determined 24 h PM and 24 h drip loss was determined. Split breasts were weighed, packaged, displayed under simulated retail conditions, and sampled on display Days 0, 1, 2, and 3 for instrumental color and microbial count of Pseudomonas ssp.ResultsChilled carcass weight was greater (P &lt; 0.05) in the HMC and RBC lines than the LMC line. Percent yield of breast, wing, leg and rack were not different (P &gt; 0.05) among the three lines. The LMC and RBC lines had greater (P &lt; 0.05) tenderloin yield compared to the HMC line. The LMC line had greater (P &lt; 0.05) meat pH followed by the RBC line and then the HMC line. The HMC line had greater (P &lt; 0.05) L*, b* and hue values followed by RBC line and then LMC line. The LMC line had greater (P &lt; 0.05) a* values and oxymyoglobin ratio followed by RBC line and then LMC line. There was no difference (P &gt; 0.05) in chroma among the three lines. After 24 h PM, the HMC line had more (P &lt; 0.05) percent drip loss than the LMC and RBC lines but there was no difference (P &gt; 0.05) in package drip loss from the start of simulated display to end of simulated display among the three lines. On each display day, the LMC line had increased counts of Pseudomonas ssp. compared to the RBC and LMC lines. Counts of Pseudomonas ssp. was similar between RBC and LMC lines on display Days 0, 2, and 3 with RBC line having increased counts on display Day 1 compared to the HMC line. There was a weak correlation (r = 0.12) between meat pH and counts of Pseudomonas ssp.ConclusionSelection for L* affected chilled carcass weights and percent yield of tenderloins, but not any other part yields. The growth of Pseudomonas ssp. is affected by the lines selected for L* but the relationship of meat pH and the growth of Pseudomonas ssp. is weak.

In-package moisture supports quality maintenance of white asparagus

White asparagus is a highly appreciated, high-value crop with a distinguished economic relevance among vegetables. Freshly harvested asparagus is available only during a short part of the year and the demand varies. The produce is perishable and only proper handling can ensure its quality after a reasonable shelf life. In this study, we investigated a new method to reduce one of the most important reasons for quality decline: fresh matter losses. The potential benefits or disadvantages of moist asparagus packaging for unpeeled white asparagus (cv. ‘Gijnlim’) was tested. We used polythene sleeves or bags, lined with cellulose fleece to hold added water for moisturizing. 500 g bunches of spears were filled in the bags. Spears were partly covered by the sleeves or totally covered by the bags. All spears were stored for 3 to 11 days at the temperature of 2°C, 8°C and a combination of 2°C/22°C.The last temperatures were to simulate retail conditions. In wet bags spear fresh weight increased, losses in bags with dry fleece were low. Maintaining of fresh weight in wet bags coincided significantly with higher bending firmness, and lower shear force, which points to less fibrousness. Wet storage also reduced the incidence of dried cut surfaces but promoted the incidence of lengthwise fractures and, in combination with higher temperature, grey-brown discolouration and colour saturation. Wet packaging may be beneficial primarily under low temperature and low air humidity storage conditions.

Reducing postharvest decay in cactus pears by dip treatment with imazalil or azoxystrobin

Postharvest decay in cactus pear is a minor problem in fruit marketed directly after harvest, while it may represent a major cause of losses when fruit are cold stored or subjected to cold quarantine treatments. Unfortunately, to date, no postharvest fungicide has been registered to control postharvest decay of cactus pears. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of two globally known fungicides, imazalil (IMZ) and azoxystrobin (AZO), registered for postharvest treatment of various fresh produce species, to control decay on cactus pears. Second-crop cactus pears ‘Gialla’ fruits were dipped in 500 mg L(‑1) IMZ or AZO and stored at 1 or 8°C and 90-95% RH for 2 or 3 weeks, respectively, plus 1 additional week at 20°C and 55‑60% RH to simulate retail conditions. At the end of storage, decay incidence ranged between 16 and 23% in control fruit, while the percentage of losses in treated fruit ranged between 3% (IMZ) and 5% (AZO). Although no significant difference was detected between the two fungicides in terms of percentage of rotten fruit, IMZ seemed to be more active than AZO in controlling Penicillium decay. Both chemicals ameliorated fruit responses to chilling injury, but a slightly higher decline in freshness, associated with faster transpiration activity, occurred in AZO-treated fruit. Based on these results, considering the complexity of the registration process of new chemicals and the easier procedure required for manufacturers to apply for extension of use of already registered pesticides, both chemicals could be good candidates as potential fungicides to control postharvest disease of cactus pears.

99 Effects of replacing monensin and tylosin in finishing cattle diets with essential oil and/or benzoic acid on meat color and oxidative stability of ribeye steaks and ground beef

Abstract This study examined the effects of replacing monensin and tylosin with essential oils and/or benzoic acid in finishing cattle diets on beef color stability and lipid oxidation during a simulated retail display period. The longissimus thoracis (LT) and semimembranosus (SM) muscles were obtained from 63 steers that were fed for 98 days on 1 of 5 finishing diets: no additional supplement (CON), monensin/tylosin (M/T), essential oils (EO), benzoic acid (BA), or a combination of essential oils and benzoic acid (COMBO). Instrumental color measured with a Minolta colorimeter and visual discoloration evaluated by two trained panelists were recorded daily for three beef products placed under simulated retail conditions, until a 60% surface discoloration was observed. The three beef products evaluated were LT steaks, and two types of ground beef patties manufactured with the SM muscles (lean – no additional fat and regular – 25% added fat). The thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) assay was used before and after the shelf life display to determine the degree of lipid oxidation for products during the display. Data were analyzed as a randomized complete block design with the GLIMMIX procedure of SAS using repeated measures. Results indicated a treatment by day interaction (P &lt; 0.0001) for visual discoloration and instrumental color of all three products. At the end of the display period, products from the COMBO diet had on average the least amount of visual discoloration and the greatest a* (redness) value, while the CON steaks and M/T ground beef had the most discoloration and the lowest a* values. TBARS values at d 0 and d 7 did not differ (P &gt; 0.23) among treatments for all three products. Overall, supplemental ingredients in feed did not affect the color and degree of lipid oxidation of steaks and ground beef to a level deemed detrimental.

The Optimization of the Concentrations of Sodium Lactate (Nal), Sodium Erythorbate (Nae), and Sodium Bicarbonate (Nab) Applied to Beef Trimmings for Ground Beef Production

ObjectivesThe objective of the study was to identify optimal concentrations of NaL, NaE and NaB applied to beef trimmings to assess their impact on quality of ground beef patties.Materials and MethodsBeef trimmings (∼50kg) were fabricated from beef forequarters (N = 5) 14 d postmortem, combined and aerobically stored (5°C) for an additional 6 d to simulate the collection, storage, transportation and receipt of a combo of beef trimmings. A 23 central composite response surface design (RSM) was used to generate 15 treatment combinations containing NaL (0.1–1.5 M), NaE (0.1–0.6 M), and NaB (0.1–1.5 M) with water used as a control. After aerobic storage, the beef trimmings (∼20% fat) were coarse ground (12 mm) and the treatment/control solution applied to the coarse ground trimmings (∼454 g) at 2% (w/w). The trimmings were reground (3 mm) and 120 g of treated sample was placed into a Petri dish and overwrapped with oxygen permeable film (OTR: 21,700 cc/m2/24h at 25°C) to form patties. The patties (2 per treatment/control) were stored under simulated retail conditions: 5°C, cool white fluorescent light (200–300 lux) and analyzed at Day 0, 3, 6, and 9 of storage to assess the effectiveness of each treatment in preventing further quality deterioration. Objective color (L*, a*, b*), 2-thiobarbituric acid (TBA) determinations, GC–MS for off-odor assessment and aerobic plate counts (APC) were conducted. The least squares means of results were generated by one-way ANOVA and Tukey HSD to identify significant differences (P 11 and TBA values < 0.52.ConclusionResults of this study suggest that a combination of NaB, NaE, and NaL can be applied to improve color stability, reduce lipid oxidation, and control off-odor of ground beef patties.

Effects of Divergently Selected Broiler Lines for Meat Color on Pseudomonas Growth Under Simulated Retail Display

ObjectivesSelection of broilers based on L* values have affected the meat pH of broiler breast meat. The objective is to determine if the selection of L* values have affected Pseudomonas ssp. growth under simulated retail display.Materials and MethodsBroilers from the 13th generation of three different lines (n = 30/line) selected for high L* (HMC), low L* (LMC) and a random bred control (RBC) were harvested at 7 wk of age. Carcasses were weighed and deboned after a 4 h postmortem (PM) chill. Parts were weighed to determine parts yield based on chilled carcass weight. Meat pH was determined 24 h PM and 24 h drip loss was determined. Split breasts were weighed, packaged, displayed under simulated retail conditions, and sampled on display Days 0, 1, 2, and 3 for instrumental color and microbial count of Pseudomonas ssp.ResultsChilled carcass weight was greater (P < 0.05) in the HMC and RBC lines than the LMC line. Percent yield of breast, wing, leg and rack were not different (P > 0.05) among the three lines. The LMC and RBC lines had greater (P < 0.05) tenderloin yield compared to the HMC line. The LMC line had greater (P < 0.05) meat pH followed by the RBC line and then the HMC line. The HMC line had greater (P < 0.05) L*, b* and hue values followed by RBC line and then LMC line. The LMC line had greater (P < 0.05) a* values and oxymyoglobin ratio followed by RBC line and then LMC line. There was no difference (P > 0.05) in chroma among the three lines. After 24 h PM, the HMC line had more (P < 0.05) percent drip loss than the LMC and RBC lines but there was no difference (P > 0.05) in package drip loss from the start of simulated display to end of simulated display among the three lines. On each display day, the LMC line had increased counts of Pseudomonas ssp. compared to the RBC and LMC lines. Counts of Pseudomonas ssp. was similar between RBC and LMC lines on display Days 0, 2, and 3 with RBC line having increased counts on display Day 1 compared to the HMC line. There was a weak correlation (r = 0.12) between meat pH and counts of Pseudomonas ssp.ConclusionSelection for L* affected chilled carcass weights and percent yield of tenderloins, but not any other part yields. The growth of Pseudomonas ssp. is affected by the lines selected for L* but the relationship of meat pH and the growth of Pseudomonas ssp. is weak.

Reducing Substrate Moisture Content (SMC) during Greenhouse Production and Postproduction of Angelonia and Heliotrope Improves Crop Quality and Economic Value

Retail environments are rarely optimal for ornamental plants, and wilting caused by water stress is a major cause of postproduction shrinkage. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of two levels of substrate moisture content (SMC) applied during greenhouse production on angelonia (Angelonia angustifolia) ‘Angelface Blue’ and heliotrope (Heliotropium arborescens) ‘Simply Scentsational’ growth and physiological parameters and subsequent postproduction quality during simulated retail conditions. At the end of production, angelonia total plant shoot dry weight (DW) was reduced with 20% SMC compared with 40% SMC, and plants grown with 20% SMC had higher shoot coloring percentage, reduced internode length, and required less irrigation labor–related costs compared with 40% SMC. Heliotrope grown at 20% SMC produced the same size plant as 40% SMC, but had a higher shoot coloring percentage at the end of production and postproduction, indicating lower SMC resulted in higher visual quality compared with 40% SMC. For both species, 20% SMC increased plant visual quality compared with 40% SMC and reduced irrigation water input throughout production, resulting in reduced production costs and increased floral crop economic value.

Reducing postharvest losses using modified atmosphere packaging bags for African nightshade (Solanum scabrumMill.) leaves

African nightshade (Solanum scabrum Mill.) is important for its nutrition, health promoting compounds and its contribution in providing a secure food supply and livelihood for smallholder farmers in rural, peri-urban and urban areas in Kenya. However, inadequate postharvest handling practices result in high losses. To address this issue, studies were conducted to evaluate the effect of modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) on improving storability, nutritional and health promoting compounds of 'Olevolosi' African nightshade. Plants were cultivated in a climate chamber for four weeks and three weeks under greenhouse conditions. Leaves were harvested and either packaged in MAP (Xtend®) or left in the open (control). The leaves were stored for 8 days to simulate retail conditions (20°C and RH 56%) and 15 days in cold storage (7°C and RH 86%). Fresh weight loss, leaf colour, antioxidative compounds (i.e., β-carotene, lutein, lycopene, vitamin E, and vitamin C), chlorophylls, protein, microbial counts, and gas composition within MAP were evaluated. The results showed that leaf colour was retained by MAP, more so at 7°C. MAP reduced weight loss by 76.4-83.9% at 20°C and 71.0-84.8% at 7°C compared with the control. Moreover, MAP maintained or even increased the content of protein, vitamins C and E, β-carotene, lutein, lycopene and chlorophylls in both storage conditions in comparison to the control. During storage, the concentration of CO2 increased to 0.7-3.3%, while O2 was reduced by 0.9-3.3% being more pronounced at 20°C, compared to ambient conditions. However, the use of MAP did not reduce microbial counts. The findings indicate the potential of using MAP to improve shelf life and preserve bioactive quality compounds of African nightshade. This could be a vital step to improve nutrition, health and the economic status of smallholder farmers in developing countries such as Kenya.

MA-packages in simulated retail conditions maintained sweet cherry fruit quality

MA-packages in simulated retail conditions maintained sweet cherry fruit quality