Commercial scale pulsed electric field processing of tomato juice

Effects of commercial scale pulsed electric field (PEF) processing on the quality of tomato juice were studied and compared with those of thermal processing. Tomato juice was prepared by hot break at 88 degrees C for 2 min or by cold break at 68 degrees C for 2 min and then thermally processed at 92 degrees C for 90 s or PEF processed at 40 kV/cm for 57 micros. Thermally processed, PEF processed, and unprocessed control juices were packed into 50 mL sterilized polypropylene tubes in a sanitary glovebox and stored at 4 degrees C for 112 days. Both thermally and PEF processed juices showed microbial shelf life at 4 degrees C for 112 days. The lipoxygenase activities of thermally and PEF processed juices were 0 and 47%, respectively. PEF processed juice retained more ascorbic acid than thermally processed juice at 4 degrees C for 42 days (p < 0.05). No significant differences were observed in the concentration of lycopene, degrees Brix, pH, or viscosity between thermally and PEF processed juices during the storage (p > 0.05). Sensory evaluations indicated that flavor and overall acceptability of PEF processed juice were preferred to those of thermally processed juice (p < 0.05).     

盐胁迫对樱桃番茄风味品质的影响

为探究盐分胁迫对樱桃番茄(Lycopersicon esculentum Mill. var. cerasiforme Alef)风味的影响,本研究以樱桃5号为试验材料,探究了不同含盐量[T1:0.05 g·kg^-1(CK)、T2:1.5 g·kg^-1、T3:3 g·kg^-1、T4:4.5 g·kg^-1、T5:6 g·kg^-1]土壤条件下果实糖、酸、氨基酸、芳香类物质含量的变化。结果表明,各处理果实中果糖和葡萄糖含量较高,占糖类物质总量的94.88%~95.97%;盐胁迫能促进果实中糖类物质的积累,其中果糖在T5含量最高,较对照增加了18.34%,葡萄糖在T3含量最高,较对照显著增加了29.06%。果实中有机酸以柠檬酸和苹果酸为主,占总量的88.30%~91.60%,随着盐分的增加有机酸含量呈先升高后降低的趋势,柠檬酸和苹果酸含量均在T3最高,分别较对照显著增加了61.40%和129.90%,且有机酸总含量是对照的1.71倍。盐胁迫对樱桃番茄的氨基酸含量也有一定影响,盐胁迫处理果实中谷氨酸和天冬氨酸含量较高;除蛋氨酸外,各氨基酸含量均以T3最高。各处理果实中共检出47种芳香物质,其中醛类12种、酮类5种、醇类14种、酯类3种;盐胁迫处理番茄果实中芳香物质的种类较多,且相对含量高,其中2-已烯醛、香叶基丙酮、2-异丁基噻唑含量与对照有明显差异,是盐胁迫下影响番茄风味的重要芳香物质。本研究结果为盐胁迫提升樱桃番茄风味品质提供了数据支撑。     

The effect of light intensity on the concentration of bioelements in the sap of the tomato plant (Lycopersicon esculentum L.)

The subject of the study was the effect of light intensity on the concentration of bioelements in the sap of the tomato plant (Lycopersicon esculentum L.), cultivated hydroponically with a normal nutrient solution. The greenhouse experiment took place under controlled parameters.

The results show that the concentration of bioelements in the sap varies least during the first two hours of light. It is also interesting to note that the interval between the fourth and sixth hour offers possibilities for the study of the content of reducing sugars in the sap.     

Abscisic acid improves tomato fruit quality by increasing soluble sugar concentrations

Abscisic acid (ABA) is crucial in fruit maturation and senescence and is considered as the other ripening control factor other than ethylene. Important components in ripening fruit are soluble sugars, which make the fruit sweeter and carotenoids, important flavor compounds in ripened fruit. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of foliar ABA and calcium (Ca) fertilizer treatments (individually and in combination) on determinate beef-steak greenhouse tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) leaf chlorophylls and carotenoids, fruit carotenoids, and soluble sugar concentrations. Foliar spray treatment of 500 mg L^?1 ABA increased zeaxanthin (ZEA) and β-carotene (BC) in tomato leaf tissue. Increases in Ca fertilizer treatments significantly decreased tomato leaf violaxanthin (VIO), but no effect on other carotenoids. The application of 500 mg L^?1 ABA foliar spray significantly increased glucose and fructose concentrations in tomato fruit tissue. Foliar application of ABA treatments can increase overall chlorophyll, carotenoid content, and fruit quality.     

Effects of nitrogen application on flavor compounds of cherry tomato fruits

A pot experiment was conducted to determine the effects of N application on volatile compounds, taste compounds, and firmness of fresh tomato fruits. Each pot was filled with 8 kg of clean sand. The experiment consisted of six nitrogen (N)‐application rates with 0, 2.25, 4.50, 9.00, 18.00, and 36.00 mmol N L^–1 in the nutrient solution. Volatile compounds, soluble sugars, soluble solids, titratable acidity, and firmness of fresh tomato fruits were measured. The results show that increasing N application increased the concentrations of 1‐penten‐3‐one, hexanal, cis‐3‐hexenal, 2‐methyl‐4‐pentenal, trans‐2‐hexenal, 6‐methyl‐5‐hepten‐2‐one, titratable acidity, soluble sugars, and soluble solids. By contrast, increasing N supply decreased the concentration of phenylacetaldehyde and first increased and then decreased the concentrations of 2E–4E‐hexadienal and the firmness of fresh tomato fruits. Close relationships between the concentration of various volatile compounds, titratable acidity, soluble sugars, and soluble solids were found. However, concentrations of these flavor compounds were very poorly correlated with fruit firmness. Based on contributions of these compounds to tomato flavor, we assume that moderate high N supply improves tomato flavor, whereas excessive N supply can deteriorate it.     

壳寡糖和油菜素甾醇处理对番茄产量和品质的影响

为了探究壳寡糖与油菜素甾醇处理对番茄(Solanum lycopersicum L.)果实产量、感官品质、营养品质和风味品质的影响,本试验设置4个处理：对照组(CK)、壳寡糖处理组(0.5 g·L^-1COS)、油菜素甾醇处理组(0.5 g·L^-1BR)、复合处理组(0.5 g·L^-1COS+0.5 g·L^-1BR),对开花结果期的番茄植株进行叶面喷施。结果表明,壳寡糖与油菜素甾醇复合处理可以显著提高番茄产量;促进果实着色和软化;协同促进番茄中番茄红素、总胡萝卜素和维生素C的积累,相比CK分别提高88.3%、76.3%和28.6%。此外,二者复合处理可有效提高番茄中可溶性糖(葡萄糖和果糖)的含量,并降低有机酸(苹果酸和柠檬酸)的水平,从而提高番茄糖酸比。本研究结果为设施栽培下番茄产量和品质的提升提供了理论依据。     

Effects of abscisic acid and calcium on tomato fruit aroma volatiles

Aroma volatiles are derived from precursors, such as amino acids, fatty acids and carotenoids in tomato fruit. Volatiles enhance the main flavor components in the fruit, particularly sugars. Abscisic acid (ABA) is derived from the carotenoid pathway and there may be an indirect connection to this pathway. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the influence of ABA on tomato fruit volatiles. This study identified five flavor volatile compounds that were consistently present in “Mt. Fresh Plus” tomato fruit tissue. They were 2-methyl furan, (E)-2-hexeanl, 1-hexanol, hexenal, and 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-one. ABA treatments did not have an effect on volatile concentrations in “Mt. Fresh Plus” tomato fruit. Majority of the volatiles identified did not differ between the ABA treated plants and the ABA control plants. However, ABA treatments did significantly decrease (E)-2-hexenal. These results indicated that ABA treatments did not have a major effect on the aroma volatile profile of the fruit.     

Optimizing sampling of tomato fruit for carotenoid content with application to assessing the impact of ripening disorders

Color defines one aspect of quality for tomato and tomato products. Carotenoid pigments are responsible for the red and orange colors of tomato fruit, and thus color is also of dietary interest. The aims of this study were (1) to determine the relative importance of field sampling and analytical replication when measuring lycopene and beta-carotene in tomato fruit and (2) to determine the effect of yellow shoulder disorder (YSD) on the content of lycopene and beta-carotene in tomato juice and tissue. Our results show that increasing biological replications is an efficient strategy for reducing the experimental error associated with measurements of lycopene and beta-carotene. Analytical replications did not contribute significantly to observed variation, and therefore experimental efficiency will be gained by reducing analytical replications while increasing field replication. We found that YSD significantly reduces lycopene in affected tissue and in juice made from affected fruit. In contrast, beta-carotene concentrations were only reduced in affected tissue but were not significantly reduced in juice. With increasing interest in biofortified crops, modulating the carotenoid profile in tomato by minimizing YSD symptoms represents a strategy for improving tomato fruit quality that is currently supported by grower contract structure and processor grades.     

主成分分析法优选枸杞乳酸菌发酵饮品发酵剂

乳酸菌发酵作为果蔬汁的一种绿色加工技术,不仅可以赋予产品独特的风味,还可以转化其中的活性物质,提高产品的营养价值和保健功效。该研究以湖北杂交枸杞为原料,使用6种乳酸菌(植物乳杆菌、嗜热链球菌、嗜酸乳杆菌、鼠李糖乳杆菌、干酪乳杆菌及发酵乳杆菌)进行发酵,研究发酵前后枸杞果汁理化特性、主要活性成分及体外抗氧化变化,并利用主成分分析进行综合评价优选出理想的发酵菌株。结果表明,6种乳酸菌在枸杞果汁中生长良好,活菌数均能达到10.0 lg CFU/mL以上。发酵后的枸杞果汁中总糖和还原糖含量显著降低(P0.05),且植物乳杆菌和嗜热链球菌产酸能力更强,发酵后总酸含量达6.74、6.07g/kg。与未发酵枸杞果汁相比,经植物乳杆菌、嗜热链球菌、鼠李糖乳杆菌和发酵乳杆菌发酵的枸杞果汁中总酚含量增加了13.76%～28.07%,而嗜酸乳杆菌和干酪乳杆菌发酵后无显著性差异(P0.05)。6种乳酸菌发酵后枸杞果汁中总黄酮含量增加了55.80%～161.97%。发酵枸杞果汁的抗氧化活性与发酵前相比均有显著提高(P0.05)。基于主成分分析的综合评价函数显示经植物乳杆菌、发酵乳杆菌发酵的枸杞果汁品质更优,适宜作为开发枸杞高值化绿色加工饮品的发酵剂。     

Simultaneous transgenic suppression of LePG and LeExp1 influences fruit texture and juice viscosity in a fresh market tomato variety

Tomatoes are grown for fresh consumption or for processing of the fruit. Some ripening-associated processes of the fruit can either contribute to or degrade attributes associated with both fresh and processing quality. For example, cell wall disassembly is associated with loss of fresh fruit firmness as well as with loss of processed tomato product viscosity. Several enzymes contribute to cell wall polysaccharide disassembly. Polygalacturonase (PG, poly[1,4-alpha-d-galactouronide] glucanohydrolase, EC 3.2.1.15) is among the most abundant polysaccharide hydrolases in ripening tomato fruit and is the major contributor to pectin depolymerization. Expansin (LeExp1) is also abundant in ripening fruit and is proposed to contribute to cell wall disassembly by nonhydrolytic activity, possibly by increasing substrate accessibility to other enzymes. Suppression of either LePG or LeExp1 expression alone results in altered softening and/or shelf life characteristics. To test whether simultaneous suppression of both LePG and LeExp1 expression influences fruit texture in additive or synergistic ways, transgenic Lycopersicon esculentum var. Ailsa Craig lines with reduced expression of either LePG or LeExp1 were crossed. Fruits from the third generation of progeny, homozygous for both transgenic constructs, were analyzed for firmness and other quality traits during ripening on or off the vine. In field-grown transgenic tomato fruit, suppression of LeExp1 or LePG alone did not significantly increase fruit firmness. However, fruits suppressed for both LePG and LeExp1 expression were significantly firmer throughout ripening and were less susceptible to deterioration during long-term storage. Juice prepared from the transgenic tomato fruit with reduced LePG and LeExp1 expression was more viscous than juice prepared from control fruit.     

Processing effects on the composition of sea buckthorn juice from Hippophae rhamnoides L. Cv. Indian Summer.

Sea buckthorn juice is one product that can be derived from the sea buckthorn berry, a new alternative crop for the Canadian western provinces. Fresh pressed juice separates into three phases when allowed to stand overnight in the refrigerator: an upper cream phase, juice in the middle portion, and a sediment at the bottom. Enzymatic hydrolysis with commercial, broad spectrum carbohydrate hydrolyzing enzyme preparations reduced the juice viscosity, assisted juice separation, and provided an opalescent juice. Soluble solids averaged 10.2 degrees Brix, pH averaged 3.13, ascorbic acid averaged 174.2 mg/100 mL, and titratable acidity averaged 1.97% as malic acid all determined on centrifuged (10 000 rpm, 15 min) juice. Soluble sugars included glucose, fructose, and an unidentified component that was not sucrose or other common soluble monomeric or dimeric sugar. Quinic acid was quantitatively most important, while malic was next, and oxalic, citric, and tartaric acids were minor components. Washing berries by dipping reduced soluble solids (degrees Brix) in juice suggesting uptake of wash water.     

Combined pressure-temperature effects on carotenoid retention and bioaccessibility in tomato juice

This study highlights the changes in lycopene and β-carotene retention in tomato juice subjected to combined pressure-temperature (P-T) treatments ((high-pressure processing (HPP; 500-700 MPa, 30 °C), pressure-assisted thermal processing (PATP; 500-700 MPa, 100 °C), and thermal processing (TP; 0.1 MPa, 100 °C)) for up to 10 min. Processing treatments utilized raw (untreated) and hot break (～93 °C, 60 s) tomato juice as controls. Changes in bioaccessibility of these carotenoids as a result of processing were also studied. Microscopy was applied to better understand processing-induced microscopic changes. TP did not alter the lycopene content of the tomato juice. HPP and PATP treatments resulted in up to 12% increases in lycopene extractability. all-trans-β-Carotene showed significant degradation (p < 0.05) as a function of pressure, temperature, and time. Its retention in processed samples varied between 60 and 95% of levels originally present in the control. Regardless of the processing conditions used, <0.5% lycopene appeared in the form of micelles (<0.5% bioaccessibility). Electron microscopy images showed more prominent lycopene crystals in HPP and PATP processed juice than in thermally processed juice. However, lycopene crystals did appear to be enveloped regardless of the processing conditions used. The processed juice (HPP, PATP, TP) showed significantly higher (p < 0.05) all-trans-β-carotene micellarization as compared to the raw unprocessed juice (control). Interestingly, hot break juice subjected to combined P-T treatments showed 15-30% more all-trans-β-carotene micellarization than the raw juice subjected to combined P-T treatments. This study demonstrates that combined pressure-heat treatments increase lycopene extractability. However, the in vitro bioaccessibility of carotenoids was not significantly different among the treatments (TP, PATP, HPP) investigated.     

Effects of phosphorus fertilizer supplementation on processing quality and functional food ingredients in tomato

Even though several types of phosphorus fertilizers are used in crop production, the influence of phosphorus on produce quality is not well understood. Several quality attributes of tomato juice were analyzed in relation to phosphorus supplementation during a three-year field study (2000-2002). In addition to the recommended phosphorus fertilization, phosphorus supplementations, either through soil (low and high) or through foliar spray (hydrophos, seniphos), were tested. In general, soil and foliar phosphorus supplementation did not provide a statistically significant increase in yield. Tomato juice was evaluated for various quality characteristics including pH, titratable acidity, precipitate weight ratio, total solids, serum viscosity, Brookfield viscosity, color, lycopene levels, vitamin C, and flavor volatiles. Changes observed in several quality parameters were marginal, statistically insignificant and influenced by the season. Therefore, it appears that phosphorus supplementation may not significantly affect the processing quality parameters in tomato fruits.     

Generation of Maillard compounds from inulin during the thermal processing of Agave tequilana Weber Var. azul

During the cooking process of Agave tequilana Weber var. azul to produce tequila, besides the hydrolysis of inulin to generate fermentable sugars, many volatiles, mainly Maillard compounds, are produced, most of which may have a significant impact on the overall flavor of tequila. Exudates (agave juice) from a tequila company were collected periodically, and color, Brix, fructose concentration, and reducing sugars were determined as inulin breakdown took place. Maillard compounds were obtained by extraction with CH(2)Cl(2), and the extracts were analyzed by GC-MS. Increments in color, Brix, and reducing sugars were observed as a function of time, but a decrease in fructose concentration was found. Many Maillard compounds were identified in the exudates, including furans, pyrans, aldehydes, and nitrogen and sulfur compounds. The most abundant Maillard compounds were methyl-2-furoate, 2,3-dihydroxy-3,5-dihydro-6-methyl-4(H)-pyran-4-one, and 5-(hydroxymethyl)furfural. In addition, a series of short- and long-chain fatty acids was also found. A large number of the volatiles in A. tequilana Weber var. azul were also detected in tequila extracts, and most of these have been reported as a powerful odorants, responsible for the unique tequila flavor.     

Soluble root exudates of maize: Influence of potassium supply and rhizosphere microorganisms

Maize was grown for 36 days in solution culture with roots either under axenic conditions or in the presence of rhizosphere organisms. In other experiments with sterile roots the plants were grown with different concentrations of potassium. At the end of the experiments sugars, organic acids and amino acids in the nutrient solutions were determined. Under axenic conditions the exudates consisted of up to 65% sugars, up to 33% organic acids and only up to 2% amino acids. The same substances were detected in non-sterile nutrient solutions. In the presence of microorganisms fructose, arabinose and the predominating glucose decreased to almost one half, while sucrose was not affected. The amounts of organic acids were not changed by microbial growth. The main amino acid, glutamic acid, was nearly doubled by the presence of microorganisms, whereas other amino acids remained unchanged. The lower O₂ content of the nutrient solutions of non-sterile roots suggested microbial decomposition of monosaccharides. In another experiment with roots grown under axenic conditions and with different K treatments low K supply significantly increased the total amounts of sugars, organic acids and amino acids exuded g^?1 root dry matter. As in the previous experiment glucose, fumaric and oxalacetic acid as well as glutamic and aspartic acid dominated in the respective fractions. Again sugars and organic acids represented the major quantity of exudates, while amino acids amounted to less than 2%. In an additional experiment with another cultivar, with nitrate as N source and a 5-day longer growth period, somewhat different results were obtained. In the exudates sugars were found in lower amounts, probably due to a higher growth rate. Under these conditions organic acids were the prevailing root exudates. Unlike sugars and amino acids, their total quantity was not affected by K nutrition, but the proportion of malic acid increased with increasing K supply, while oxalacetic acid dominated at low K nutrition. Similarly the total amount of organic acids within the root was independent of K nutrition. However malic acid content increased with increasing K application, while the likewise dominating citric and oxalacetic acid decreased.     

Effect of different water supply on plant growth and fruit quality of Lycopersicon esculentum

It is well known from earlier work that water stress and salinity results in depressed plant growth and high fruit quality of tomato (e.g. increased sugar and acid levels), but generally is associated with a low marketable fruit yield. In the present work we investigated whether even a small reduction in water supply (without visible symptoms of water stress) also results in a high fruit quality together with high marketable fruit proportions. To characterize fruit quality sugars (glucose and fructose), titratable acids, odour-active aroma volatiles and vitamin C were investigated. Tomato plants (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill. cv Vanessa) were grown in soil and with the onset of fruit development water supply was varied (70% and 50% water capacity). In the treatment with lower water supply plant growth, and in particular the number of fruit settings were depressed and the sugar and vitamin C concentrations in the fruits were significantly increased, especially during fruit ripening. Furthermore, with lower water supply the concentrations of titratable acids and of C₆ aldehydes (hexanal, (Z)-3-hexenal and (E)-2-hexenal) were significantly increased in the red fruits. Fruit growth was identical in both treatments. The higher levels of sugars, titratable acids, aroma volatiles and vitamin C are responsible for the higher fruit quality under conditions of lower water supply. Since not all fruits of the well watered plants became mature, the marketable yield in both treatments was rather similar and hence, together with a higher fruit quality in the treatment with lower water supply, high proportions of marketable fruits can be harvested.     

Biochemical and microbial changes during the storage of minimally processed cantaloupe

The effect of storage time on pH, titratable acidity, degrees Brix, organic acids, sugars, amino acids, and color of minimally processed cantaloupe melon (Cucumis melo L. var. reticulatus Naud. cv. Mission) was determined at 4 degrees C and 20 degrees C. Changes in most of the biochemical parameters with storage time were relatively slow at the lower temperature. At 20 degrees C, a 17% loss in soluble solids and a 2-fold increase in acidity occurred after 2 days. Organic acid content also increased considerably with time at this temperature as a result of the production of lactic acid. Oxalic, citric, malic, and succinic acids were the organic acids, and glucose, fructose, and sucrose were the sugars present in the freshly cut cantaloupe. Malic acid concentration decreased concurrently with lactic acid production indicating the possible involvement of anaerobic malo-lactic fermentation along with sugar utilization by lactic acid bacteria. The effect of storage on microbial growth was determined at 4, 10, and 20 degrees C. Gram-negative stained rods grew at a slower rate at 4 degrees C and 10 degrees C than the Gram-positive mesophilic bacteria that dominated microorganism growth at 20 degrees C. Eighteen amino acids were identified in fresh cantaloupe: aspartic acid, glutamic acid, asparagine, serine, glutamine, glycine, histidine, arginine, threonine, alanine, proline, tyrosine, valine, methionine, isoleucine, leucine, phenyl alanine, and lysine. The dominant amino acids were aspartic acid, glutamic acid, arginine, and alanine. Total amino acid content decreased rapidly at 20 degrees C, but only a slight decrease occurred at 4 degrees C after prolonged storage. Changes in lightness (L), chroma, and hue at both temperatures indicate the absence of browning reactions. The results indicate the potential use of lactic acid and lactic acid bacteria as quality control markers in minimally processed fruits.     

Effects of Potassium Application on Flavor Compounds of Cherry Tomato Fruits

ABSTRACT

A pot experiment was conducted to determine the effects of potassium (K) application on volatile compounds, taste compounds, and firmness of fresh tomato fruits. Each pot was filled with 8 kg of clean sand. The experiment consisted of six K application rates with 0, 1.25, 2.5, 5.0, 10.0, and 20.0 mmol K L^?1 in the nutrient solution. Volatile compounds, soluble sugars, soluble solids, titratable acidity, and firmness of fresh tomato fruits were measured. The results show that the concentrations of 3-methylbutanal, 1-penten-3-one, hexanal, cis-3-hexenal, 2-methyl-4-pentenal, trans-2-hexenal, 2E-4E-hexadienal, 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-one, phenylacetaldehyde, phenylethanol, soluble sugars, and soluble solids tended to increase at first and then decrease between 0 to 10.0 mmol K L^?1. K application rate obtaining the highest values of the concentrations ranged from 1.4 to 3.0 mmol K L^?1, with the exception of cis-3-hexenal (1.1 mmol K L^?1), phenylacetaldehyde (4.5 mmol K L^?1), and phenylethanol (4.8 mmol K L^?1). By contrast, increasing K supply increased the concentration of titratable acidity, decreased the ratios of soluble sugars to titratable acidity and soluble solids to titratable acidity. Close correlations were observed between the concentrations of various volatile compounds, soluble sugars, and soluble solids. Based on contributions of these compounds to tomato flavor, we assume that moderate K supply (1.4–3.0 mmol K L^?1) improves tomato flavor, whereas tomato fruits with either no K or high K fertilization have poor flavor due to having undesirable levels of flavor compounds.     

Irrigation with diluted seawater improves the nutritional value of cherry tomatoes

The aim of this study was to assess whether the nutritional value of cherry tomato can be improved by irrigating plants with diluted seawater (12%; EC = 10 mS/cm in comparison with a control at EC = 4 mS/cm). Berries of cherry tomato cv. Naomi were analyzed at the red-ripe stage for the contents of NADPH and NADP+ as well as for the amounts of the main antioxidants, such as ascorbic acid, lipoic acid, tocopherols, and phenolic acids. As compared to the controls, the fruits of salt-treated plants showed a higher titratable acidity and a higher concentration of reducing sugars. The fruits picked from tomato plants irrigated with diluted seawater produced berries characterized by a higher nutritional value. Following salinity, berries showed higher amounts of vitamin C, vitamin E, dihydrolipoic acid, and chlorogenic acid. It was hypothesized that protocatechuic, vanillic, caffeic, and ferulic acids were utilized to counteract the damaging effects of salinity-induced oxidative stress, allowing tomato fruits to maintain a high reduced status even following salinization.