Influence of modified atmosphere packaging and osmotic dehydration on the quality maintenance of minimally processed guavas

The quality of minimally processed guavas (Psidium guajava L.), osmotically dehydrated and packed under passive modified atmosphere, was evaluated during 24 d of storage at 5 degreesC. Modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) in polyethylene terephthalate (PET) containers had a strong influence on color preservation and weight loss of the guavas. Significant changes in the texture were found due to osmotic dehydration, but the color of the fresh fruit remained unchanged. Osmotically dehydrated guavas stored in MAP showed good microbial conditions during storage. The combination of storage temperature, modified atmosphere packaging, and the osmotic dehydration process maintained the quality of the guavas during 24 d of storage.694E172E17

Impact of modified atmosphere packaging on the osmodehydrated papaya stability

Papaya pieces were osmotically dehydrated in a 50 degrees Brix sucrose solution containing calcium lactate (0.05 M) and lactic acid (0.02 M) as additives for 1 h at 25C, packed in polyethylene terephthalate (PET) containers and stored at 5C for 15 days. Fresh fruit pieces packed in PET containers and under atmosphere condition were used as control samples. Sensory acceptance, microbiological count, CO(2) and O(2) content inside the packages, color, mechanical properties and weight loss of the product were evaluated. PET containers prevented weight loss during storage. The utilization of calcium lactate as additive was effective in maintaining fruit hardness during refrigerated storage. The use of passive modified atmosphere associated with refrigeration was adequate to preserve the osmotically dehydrated fruit for 15 days, showing a good sensory acceptance by the consumers during the storage time.30556358