Impact of edible coatings and mild heat shocks on quality of minimally processed broccoli (Brassica oleracea L.) during refrigerated storage

The effects of edible coatings and mild heat shocks on quality aspects of refrigerated broccoli were studied. Minimally processed broccoli was coated with either chitosan or carboxymethyl-cellulose with or without a previous application of a mild heat shock of 1.5 min at 50 °C. Product was packaged in multilayered polyolefin bags and stored at 5 °C for 18 d. Quality parameters such as weight loss, texture, colour, ascorbic acid content, total chlorophyll content, oxygen concentration inside the bags, browning potential, mesophilic aerobic counts, and sensory quality, were evaluated during storage. Edible coatings exhibited a beneficial impact on broccoli quality. The weight loss in uncoated broccoli was found to be between 2 and 5 times higher compared to coated samples. During storage, coated florets from both thermally and non-thermally treated samples, presented higher retention of the (?a*/b*) ratio indicating better green colour retention and a reduced rate of floret yellowing. Chitosan coating always presented the lower ascorbic acid degradation rates (twofold lower compared with control samples). Broccoli texture for uncoated samples increased significantly during storage. However, for carboxymethyl-cellulose coated broccoli a slight increase in texture was observed while for chitosan coated broccoli no significant changes in texture were observed throughout the storage period. After the edible coating application the microbial broccoli load dropped by around 1.5 and 0.9 logarithmic units in chitosan and carboxymethyl-cellulose films, respectively. During storage, the application of chitosan coating significantly reduced total microbial counts in the thermally and non-thermally treated uncoated samples. Among the assayed edible coatings, chitosan effectively maintained quality attributes and extended shelf life of minimally processed broccoli. The single application of a mild heat shock had a measurable influence in reducing weight loss, enzymatic browning in broccoli stems, and in delaying yellowing of broccoli florets. Moreover, chitosan coating combined with a mild heat shock showed the best performance for long-term refrigerated storage of minimally processed broccoli.     

Influence of UV-C treatment on antioxidant capacity,antioxidant enzyme activity and texture of postharvest shiitake (Lentinus edodes) mushrooms during storage

Shiitake (Lentinus edodes) mushrooms were exposed to UV-C light (4 kJ/m²) and stored in modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) prior to 15 days at 1 ± 1 °C and 95% relative humidity plus 3 days at 20 °C. Mushroom firmness, total phenolics, total flavonoids, ascorbic acid and H₂O₂ contents, superoxide anion (O₂⁻) production rate and activities of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and glutathione reductase (GR) were measured. UV-C treatment resulted in maintenance of a high level of firmness during 15 days at low temperature and reduced the decrease in firmness during shelf-life storage. Furthermore, treated samples showed higher total flavonoids, ascorbic acid, and delayed the increases in both O₂⁻ production rate and H₂O₂ contents. However, no clear treatment effects were seen in total phenolics contents. The treatment also increased the antioxidant enzyme activities of CAT, SOD, APX and GR throughout the storage period. These results indicate that postharvest application of UV-C radiation can delay softening and enhance antioxidant capacity in shiitake mushrooms.     

Changes in nutritional properties of minimally processed apples during storage

The effects of an antioxidant dipping treatment (in an aqueous solution of 1% ascorbic acid (AA) and 1% citric acid for 3 min) and of modified atmosphere (90% N₂O, 5% O₂ and 5% CO₂) packaging (MAP) on some functional properties of minimally processed apples have been investigated. In particular, AA and total polyphenol (TP) contents and the overall antioxidant power of the product were monitored during 8 days of low temperature storage. Colour, texture and some chemical indices associated with the ripening stage of the product (titrable acidity and soluble solids content) were also evaluated. As a consequence of the anti-browning treatment, the AA content of dipped samples was about 20-fold higher than not treated samples at the beginning of storage and remained higher until the sixth day of refrigeration. Moreover, the dipping treatment resulted in an increase in the apple slice antioxidant activity, while MA had a negative effect on AA levels. As shown by the positive correlation between the AA and TP results, TP levels were higher for treated samples compared to those not treated over the whole storage period, because of the reducing action of AA that prevented a high level of TP degradation. Results of the other physico-chemical parameters investigated confirmed the synergistic preservative effect on the colour of MA, together with the dipping treatment, while structural decay of fruit tissue was evident due to the anti-browning chemical agents used.     

Role of microbiological and physiological spoilage mechanisms during storage of minimally processed vegetables

Minimally processed vegetables (MPV) are economically important commodities due to a combination of factors such as convenience, healthiness and desirable sensory characteristics. These commodities are susceptible to microbiological invasion due to the presence of cut surfaces causing both microbiological and physiological mechanisms to be possible limitations for the sensory shelf life. This review evaluates the role of microbiological activity in the development and changes of different sensory quality factors (visual, flavour, and textural quality) of minimally processed vegetables and evaluates the possible interaction with physiological mechanisms, taking into account important preservation techniques such as storage temperature and atmospheric conditions.     

Effect of radiation intensity on the outcome of postharvest UV-C treatments

Studies on the use of UV-C radiation of fresh produce have focused on the selection of appropriate doses (energy per unit area) for different commodities, but little attention has been placed on the effect of radiation intensity (dose per unit time). In this study, tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum cv. Elpida) and strawberries (Fragaria × ananassa cv. Camarosa), were harvested (breaker and 100% of surface red color respectively) and treated with 4 kJ m⁻² of UV-C, at low (3 W m⁻²) or high (33 W m⁻²) radiation intensities. Untreated fruits were used as controls. After the treatments and at different storage times the incidence of postharvest rots and the changes in fruit physical and chemical properties were determined. UV-C treatments reduced decay, with the effects being were more marked in fruit exposed to high intensities. Mold counts were unaffected by the treatments, suggesting that improved disease control did not result from greater germicide effect. In both fruit species exposure to UV-C radiation delayed ripening, evidenced as lower color development, pigment accumulation and softening. UV-C-treated fruit maintained better quality than the control. In strawberry, high intensity treatments were more effective to prevent deterioration than in tomato where the differences between UV-C treatments were subtler. Soluble solids, titratable acidity and ethanol soluble antioxidants were not affected regardless of the UV-C intensity. Consumer tests showed higher preference of fruit treated at high UV-C intensity. Results show that in addition to the applied dose, radiation intensity is a main factor determining the effectiveness of UV-C treatments and should not be over-sighted. For a given dose, increasing radiation intensity may in some cases maximize the benefits of UV-C on fruit quality, while significantly reducing the treatments time.     

Influence of postharvest treatments and film permeability on quality decay kinetics of minimally processed grapes

The influence of both postharvest treatments and film permeability on the quality decay kinetics of freshly processed grapes was addressed. Ethanol, chlorinated water and hot water were tested to reduce microbiological spoilage. The treated grapes were packaged in two polyester-based biodegradable films (NVT1 and NVT2) and the composition of the atmosphere within the packages determined. A multilayer film, made by laminating an aluminium foil with a polyethylene film (aluminium) was used to evaluate separately the respiratory activity of the packed grapes, and the oxygen and carbon dioxide permeability coefficients of the investigated films under real working conditions. The quality decay kinetics of freshly processed table grapes packed at 5 °C were assessed by monitoring the cell load of the main spoilage microorganisms (total mesophilic viable count, lactic acid bacteria, yeasts and moulds) and the product appearance for a period of about 30 days. Results suggest that ethanol was the most efficient treatment, as it successfully reduced the cell load of the spoilage microorganisms without affecting respiration of the packed food or its appearance. Differences between the investigated biodegradable films were not statistically significant.     

Influence of growing periods on the quality of baby spinach leaves at harvest and during storage as minimally processed produce

The influence of different growing periods on quality and decay of fresh-cut baby spinach leaves during chilling storage was assessed. Three different spinach crops were sown on October, December and January, respectively. On January–March the vegetable leaves were harvested, analysed for nitrate, oxalate, vitamin C and chlorophyll content and, after the minimal processing operations, the leaves were packaged and stored at 5 °C. During storage, respiration rate, microbiological quality, dry matter, chlorophyll content and colour parameters were monitored. The results show that for all harvests, the initial quality of leaves was acceptable, although slight changes may be due to variability in climatic conditions.     

Effect of gum arabic as an edible coating on antioxidant capacity of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) fruit during storage

Coating of tomato fruit with gum arabic has been found to delay the ripening process and maintain the antioxidant capacity. Gum arabic in aqueous solutions of 5, 10, 15 and 20% was applied as an edible coating to green-mature tomatoes which were stored at 20 °C and 80–90% RH for 20 days. Fruit coated with 10% gum arabic delayed the ripening process by slowing down the rate of respiration and ethylene production and also maintained total antioxidant capacity, lycopene content, total phenolics and total carotenoids during storage as compared to the uncoated control and fruit treated with 5% gum arabic concentration. The results suggest that by using 10% gum arabic as an edible coating, the ripening process of tomatoes can be delayed and the antioxidant can be preserved for up to 20 days during storage at 20 °C without any negative effects on postharvest quality.     

Postharvest UV-B irradiation maintains sensory qualities and enhances antioxidant capacity in tomato fruit during storage

Mature-green tomato fruit (Lycopersicon esculentum cv. Zhenfen 202) were exposed to different doses of UV-B irradiation (10, 20, 40 and 80 kJ/m²) and stored in the dark at 14 °C, 95% RH for up to 37 d. Of the four doses, 20 or 40 kJ/m² was most effective in maintaining a high level of firmness and delaying the colour development. Furthermore, 20 or 40 kJ/m² promoted the accumulation of total phenolics and total flavonoids, and enhanced antioxidant capacity during storage, though UV-B irradiation could reduce the ascorbic acid content. A dose of 10 kJ/m² had similar effects but to a lesser extent. The highest dose of 80 kJ/m² resulted in higher lycopene content, but showed negative effects on texture, colour, and other antioxidants. The optimum dose of UV-B for maintaining sensory qualities and enhancing antioxidant capacity was 20 or 40 kJ/m². These results suggest that UV-B irradiation appears to be a useful non-chemical way of maintaining postharvest quality and enhancing antioxidant capacity in tomato fruit.     

ABA and UV-C effects on quality,antioxidant capacity and anthocyanin contents of strawberry fruit (Fragaria ananassa Duch.)

Effects of 1 mM abscisic acid (ABA) and 4.1 kJ/m² UV-C radiation on quality, antioxidant capacity, anthocyanin contents, and anthocyanin biosynthetic enzyme activities of large green strawberry fruit stored at 20 °C were evaluated. Results showed that ABA promoted color formation, firmness decrease, soluble solids content and anthocyanin accumulation while UV-C inhibited these processes. Activities of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase, tyrosine ammonia-lyase and p-coumarate ligase were immediately upregulated by approximately 50% with UV-C radiation but were inhibited, including dihydroflavonol 4-reductase especially on day 3 or 4. UV-C radiation had little effect on activity of cinnamate 4-hydroxylase (C4H). ABA enhanced activities of anthocyanin biosynthetic enzymes except C4H. These data indicated that the stimulatory effect of ABA on strawberry anthocyanin accumulation was related to enhancement of biosynthetic enzyme activities, while the effects of UV-C were more transient. In addition, it appeared that C4H was not a rate-limiting enzyme in the strawberry anthocyanin biosynthesis pathway.     

微波辅助提取燕麦总酚及其抗氧化能力评价

本文对燕麦麸皮中总多酚进行微波提取,与热回流提取方法进行比较。探讨溶剂、料液比、微波功率、微波处理时间等对总酚得率的影响,并运用L9(34 )正交试验对微波加热提取燕麦麸皮总酚类物质的工艺条件进行了优化。结果表明,微波功率对总酚得率有显著影响,微波处理时间影响较小。最佳工艺是：75%乙醇,料液比（m/v）1:8,微波功率640 W,微波辐射时间15 min,此条件下提取燕麦麸皮总酚的提取得率为9.72 mg.g-1,高于传统的热回流提取多酚的得率6.67 mg.g-1。提取物的抗氧化能力用DPPH清除率表示,相当与同质量α-生育酚的90.4%。结论：利用微波加热提取燕麦麸皮中的多酚比传统的热回流方法效率高,提取物具有较强的抗氧化活性。     

UV-C light inactivation kinetics of Penicillium expansum on pear surfaces: Influence on physicochemical and sensory quality during storage

UV-C inactivation kinetic data of Penicillium expansum on intact and wounded pear disks were determined. P. expansum conidia (0.5 mL, 1.6 × 10⁷ CFU/mL) were spot inoculated onto intact and wounded pear tissue with skin (excised disks), treated with UV-C doses ranging 0.101–3.06 kJ/m² at 23 °C and surviving conidia were enumerated. Changes in selected physicochemical parameters and sensory quality following UV-C treatment of whole pears were determined immediately after treatment, and 4 and 8 weeks of storage at 4 °C. A greater UV-C intensity was required for similar inactivation levels of P. expansum populations on wounded pear disks (3.1 kJ/m² for 2.7 log reduction) compared to intact pear disks (1.7 kJ/m² for 2.8 log reduction). No significant difference in % weight loss, or soluble solids content and texture was observed between UV-C treated and untreated pears. However, browning was observed on UV-C treated pear surfaces after 4 and 8 weeks along with changes in flavor and texture. An increase in consumer preference was noticed for the untreated control pears after 4 weeks storage.     

Changes in hydrophilic and lipophilic antioxidant activity and related bioactive compounds during postharvest storage of yellow and purple plum cultivars

Eight plum cultivars (four dark-purple and four yellow) were harvested at the commercial ripening stage, and changes of fruit quality properties were evaluated during cold storage and subsequent shelf-life, with special emphasis on bioactive compounds (phenolics, anthocyanins and carotenoids) and antioxidant activity (TAA). From the eight plum cultivars, four showed the typical climacteric ripening pattern (‘Blackamber’, ‘Larry Ann’, ‘Golden Globe’ and ‘Songold’) while four behaved as suppressed-climacteric types (‘Golden Japan’ ‘Angeleno’, Black Diamond’ and ‘TC Sun’), the latter being described for the first time. At harvest, large variations in phytochemicals and antioxidant activity were found among cultivars in peel and pulp tissues, although phytochemical concentration and antioxidant activity were higher in the peel than in the flesh (2–40-fold depending on the bioactive compound). During storage, increases in total phenolics for all cultivars (peel and pulp), in total anthocyanin content in the peel of the dark-purple plums, and total carotenoids in the peel and pulp of the yellow cultivars were observed. This behaviour of the bioactive compounds was reflected in TAA changes, since hydrophilic-TAA (H-TAA) was correlated with both phenolics and anthocyanins, while lipophilic-TAA (L-TAA) was correlated with carotenoids. L-TAA comprised about 30–50% of the TAA in plum tissues. Carotenoids and phenolics (and among them the anthocyanins) could be the main lipophilic and hydrophilic compounds contributing to L-TAA and H-TAA, respectively. No significant loss of bioactive compounds and TAA occurred during prolonged plum storage. Moreover, for a better evaluation of the antioxidant potential of plums, the contribution to carotenoids should not be overlooked.     

Effect of hot water treatment on leaf extension growth,fresh weight loss and color of stored minimally processed leeks

Freshly harvested leeks (Allium porrum L.) were heated by immersion in water at 50, 52.5, 55 or 57.5 °C for 0–60, 0–35, 0–20 and 0–15 min, respectively. After hot water treatment, leeks were cooled in water at ambient temperature for 10 min and then cut at 22 cm from the compressed stem of the root base, weighed, had color measured and stored at 4 °C for 9 days. Untreated stalks (without immersion in a hot water bath) were used as controls. Hot water treatments at 50 °C for 40–60 min, 52.5 °C for 25–35 min, 55 °C for 17.5–20 min and 57.5 °C for 10–15 min efficiently controlled postharvest leaf extension growth in stalks stored for 9 days. However, treatments that controlled leaf extension growth showed fresh weight loss significantly higher than the control. There was only a slight effect of heat treatment on color attributes of stored minimally processed leek.     

短波紫外线照射对葡萄采后发病率及白藜芦醇化合物的影响

红提葡萄经1.8kj/m2UV-C照射后,贮期发病率较对照有所减轻,但无显著差异,葡萄皮中白藜芦醇及白藜芦醇苷含量较对照有所提高,处理后第8天其含量分别为100.28μg/100 g·Fw和1712.59μg/100g·FW,比对照分别提高3倍和7倍.     

采后UV-C处理对树莓贮藏保鲜效果的影响

以"September"树莓果实为材料,采用0.43、2.15、4.3和6.45 kJ/m2的UV-C进行辐照处理,并在4℃下贮藏,通过测定贮藏期间果实腐烂指数、失重率、可溶性固形物含量、总酚含量和抗氧化能力,研究UV-C处理对树莓果实保鲜效果的影响。结果表明,UV-C处理能够显著抑制果实腐烂指数、失重率的上升,减缓果实可溶性固形物含量、总酚含量的下降,增强果实的抗氧化能力,维持果实较好的品质。在4个UV-C处理剂量中,4.3 kJ/m2UV-C处理组果实的腐烂指数、失重率最低,可溶性固形物含量和总酚含量最高,抗氧化能力最强。适宜剂量的UV-C处理(4.3 kJ/m2)能维持树莓果实采后品质,增强抗性,延缓衰老。     

Influence of the stage of ripeness on phenolic metabolism and antioxidant activity in table grapes exposed to different CO2 treatments

We have analyzed the influence of the stage of ripeness on L-phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) gene expression, accumulation of anthocyanins and total phenolics, and on antioxidant activity in the skin of table grapes treated with 20% CO₂ + 20% O₂ + 60 % N₂ for 3 or 6 d at low temperature (0 °C). The residual effect of high CO₂ treatment after transfer to air was also studied. In early harvested grapes, neither the anthocyanin content nor the accumulation of VcPAL mRNA was affected by any of the CO₂ treatments applied. However, in late harvested grapes, the duration of high CO₂ treatment determined its effect and a 6 d treatment with CO₂ sustained higher levels of total phenolics and anthocyanin accumulation, and VcPAL expression than observed in untreated late harvested grapes. The increased antioxidant capacity was correlated with the total amount of phenolics and anthocyanins. Conversely, in grapes treated for 3 d with CO₂ the phenylpropanoid pathway did not appear to be induced and a relationship between antioxidant activity and anthocyanins was not observed. Thus, further studies are needed to identify the most important antioxidants in these treated fruit.     

小麦籽粒不同层次酚类物质与抗氧化活性差异及氮肥调控效应

明确酚类物质在籽粒不同层次的分布规律及对氮肥调控的响应,为小麦品质改良及优质栽培提供科学依据。本研究以紫麦(冀紫439)和白麦(鑫华麦818)为材料,于2019—2020年分别在郑州和原阳设置高氮(HN, 210 kg N hm–2)和低氮(LN,105kgNhm–2)处理,采用分层碾磨方法将籽粒从外向内依次分为5层(LY1,LY2,LY3,LY4,LY5),测定不同层次籽粒中的总酚、总类黄酮、花青素含量及其抗氧化活性。结果表明,游离酚和结合酚提取物中的总酚、总类黄酮、花青素含量以及抗氧化活性(TEAC、FRAP)从籽粒外层到内层呈下降趋势。紫麦籽粒不同层次抗氧化物含量及抗氧化活性均高于白麦,但两品种之间的差异随着研磨程度的加深呈下降趋势。籽粒LY1～LY3中总酚、总类黄酮和花青素含量随着施氮量的增加而增加(原阳LY1总酚除外),而内层LY4～LY5对増施氮肥的响应较弱,且存在地点间差异。小麦籽粒酚酸组分中阿魏酸占全部组分93%以上,且表现为在低氮条件下含量增高。综上所述,紫麦具有较高的酚类等抗氧化物质,但与白麦之间的差异随着研磨程度的加深而下降;籽粒外层抗氧化物质含量和抗氧化活性对氮...     

Effects of base removal and heat treatment on visual and nutritional quality of minimally processed leeks

Freshly harvested leeks (Allium ampeloprasum L. var. porrum) were trimmed (leaf tips, roots), had the decayed leaves removed, washed with tap water, cut at 50 cm length and subjected to heat treatment at 55 °C for 0 and 17.5 min. They were then trimmed at the root base and leaves to produce stalks 22 cm in length with or without removal of a 2 cm portion of the base. Minimally processed leeks were tray-packaged, wrapped with 16 μm stretch film and stored at 10 °C for 7 days to determine the effects of base removal and heat treatment on visual (leaf growth, fresh weight loss and discoloration) and nutritional quality after storage. CO₂ and ethylene concentrations of packages containing minimally processed leeks showed a wound-induced pattern typical of other fresh cut vegetable tissues. Base removal did not significantly affect respiration but increased ethylene production, while heat treatment increased respiration rate and suppressed ethylene production. Storage of minimally processed leeks at 10 °C for 7 days resulted in a slight decrease of chroma and hue angle of base cross section as well as a decrease of chroma of the upper cross section. Heat treatment prevented the decrease of chroma of the base and upper cross section. Base removal reduced, but did not totally control leaf growth of stored minimally processed leeks. Moreover, it resulted in a decrease of dry matter, soluble solids, total soluble phenols, antioxidant capacity and total thiosulfinates at the end of the storage. A combination of base removal and heat treatment efficiently controlled leaf growth, but these treatments resulted in increased fresh weight and total thiosulfinate loss.