36E-82 |
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G. I. OLIVAS1, D. S. Mattinson2, and G. V. Barbosa-Cánovas1. (1) Dept. of Biological Systems Engineering, Washington State Univ., 220 L.J. Smith Hall, PO Box 646120, Pullman, WA 99164-6120, (2) Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Washington State Univ., Pullman, WA 99164 Edible coatings made from alginate were investigated for their ability to preserve the quality of minimally processed Gala apples. Apple wedges were immersed in a calcium chloride (CaCl2) solution and subsequently coated with one of three different coating formulations: alginate, alginate-acetylated monoglyceride-linoleic acid, and alginate-butter-linoleic acid. Apple wedges were stored at 5°C and 85% Relative Humidity (RH). Weight loss, color, texture, volatiles profile, microbial load, titratable acidity, and soluble solids were assessed over ~9 days of storage. Alginate coatings prolonged the refrigerated shelf life of cut apples. All studied coatings minimized weight loss during storage, however, apples with coatings containing acetylated monoglyceride remained the closest to their original weight. Hardness of coated apples remained practically constant during storage regardless of the type of coating, while control apples had a large decrease in hardness during storage. Browning of apple slices was retarded in coated apples. It was also demonstrated that the studied coatings did not cause anaerobic respiration. A higher production of some typical aroma volatiles 1-butanol, hexanal, trans-2-hexenal, and 1-hexanol, was observed on coated apples presumably due to the metabolization of fatty acids contained in the coatings. No effects from the applied treatments on microbial load, titratable acidity, or soluble solids were found. The use of alginate coatings for the preservation of minimally processed fruits is a promising technology that can improve the quality of fresh products and increase their shelf life and stability.
Session 36E, Fruit & Vegetable Products: General
2005 IFT Annual Meeting, July 15-20 - New Orleans, Louisiana |