Sensory and microbiological quality of shiitake mushrooms in modified‐atmosphere packages

The aim of the present work was to study the influence of modified‐atmosphere packaging on the microbiological and sensory quality of shiitake mushrooms (Lentinula edodes). Mushrooms were packaged under atmospheric air (passive modified atmosphere) and an initial gas mixture of 5% O₂ and 2.5% CO₂ (active modified atmosphere), in bags of two different films: low‐density polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP). As control, mushrooms were packaged in macroperforated PP films. Bags were stored at 5 °C for 20 days. Package atmosphere composition, mushroom respiration rate, weight loss, microbiological counts and sensory quality were determined during storage. Risk assays were also performed. Under the studied conditions, shiitake mushroom deterioration was not due to microorganism growth, and therefore the shelf‐life of this product might be defined by changes in its sensory characteristics. Sensory analysis showed that mushrooms stored under modified atmosphere (active and passive) had a higher deterioration rate than those stored in PP macroperforated films, and lower sensory quality values during the entire storage time. These results suggest that mushroom deterioration was probably due to shiitake mushrooms' sensitivity to high CO₂ concentrations. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry     

STORAGE OF ‘SWEETHEART’ CHERRIES IN SEALED PLASTIC FILM1

‘Sweetheart’ cherries were sealed in perforated or nonperforated polyethylene bags and stored for 6 weeks in air at 0C. Samples were removed after 1, 2, 4 and 6 weeks of storage and evaluated for fruit and sensory quality. Volatile analyses were done on samples kept in storage for 2, 4, 6, 8 and 9 weeks. Atmospheres after 6 weeks of storage were approximately 4.6% O₂ and 10% CO₂ for the perforated bags (1993) and 6.6% O₂ and 3.5% CO₂ for the non-perforated bags (1994). Fruit brightness (L* value), firmness and titratable acidity declined during storage. Skin color (hue angle) decreased slightly in redness over the 6-week storage period. Sensory evaluation in 1993 showed a decline in fruit appearance and flavor with storage duration. Texture and juiciness did not change. Acceptability remained high for the first 4 weeks of storage. Twenty-seven volatiles were identified by head-space analysis (1993). Little change occurred in volatile production except for acetaldehyde which increased sharply from week 2 to 4 and ethanol which increased sharply between week 8 and week 9. Butyl acetate behaved much like acetaldehyde. Modified atmosphere packaging maintained high fruit luster and green stems. No differences in fruit quality were observed with bag type, but storage appears to be limited to 4 weeks for ‘Sweetheart’ cherries because of flavor loss.     

Pest control treatments with phosphine and controlled atmospheres in silo bags with different airtightness conditions

The silo bag technology has been extensively used in Argentina for storing grains (e.g. wheat, corn, barley, sunflower and soybean among others) since the mid-1990s. Silo bag are widely considered a hermetic storage system in which PH₃ fumigation is frequently implemented for pest control. However, there is insufficient information regarding the potential airtightness of silo bags and how it could affect the performance of fumigation and controlled atmosphere treatments. In this study, a pressure decay test (PDT) was implemented to characterize airtightness level of silo bags set up following various procedures. PH₃ fumigation treatments with different dosages and hermeticity levels were conducted, and fumigant concentration was monitored. Controlled atmosphere treatments with carbon dioxide were also implemented in silo bags with different hermeticity levels. Results showed that less than half of the bags tested in the field had a PDT indicated for fumigation (90 s), and that when a bag without thermo sealing was used for fumigation, this treatment failed. However, it was demonstrated that with simple and inexpensive practices silo bags can achieve high enough airtightness conditions to implement successful PH₃ fumigation (5 days above 200 ppm with a dosage of 1 g of PH₃/m³) and even controlled atmosphere treatments (more than 18 days with CO₂ concentration above 70%). This study shows that silo bags could be used as a cost competitive hermetic storage technology for performing controlled atmosphere treatments.     

Effect of packaging materials and storage time on changes of colour,phenolic content,chlorogenic acid and antioxidant activity in arabica green coffee beans (Coffea arabica L. cv. Catimor)

The conditions and storage time of green coffee beans are very important for the commercial quality of coffee. This includes factors such as light, humidity and temperature in the warehouse and also the packaging material used. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of type of packaging materials namely high density polyethylene (HDPE) bag and jute sack on moisture content, colour, phenolic contents, chlorogenic acids content and antioxidant activity of Arabica green coffee bean during 15 months of storage. The results show that HDPE bag can preserve the moisture content, colour and chlorogenic acid in green coffee beans (GCB) better than a jute sack during storage. No significant difference of phenolics content in green coffee beans was observed during 4 months of storage in both types of packaging. During initial 10 months of storage the antioxidant activity of GCB stored in HDPE showed higher values than that of GCB stored in jute sack. However, after 1 year of storage, the phenolics content and antioxidant activity in GCB in a jute sack were higher than in HDPE bag. The fluctuation of moisture content could lead to stress condition of green coffee bean and contributing to forming of bioactive compounds. This finding was observed and need further investigation.     

Analysis of green coffee quality using hermetic bag storage

Coffee (Coffea arabica L.) value is highly dependent on quality. However, due to high humidity in the Central Andean Ranges of Colombia, where much of the country's coffee production resides, Farmers must sell their coffee at harvest in order to mitigate quality loss due to the high moisture. Cooperatives are generally forced to store green coffee until enough volume is collected for export, making it crucial to utilize storage solutions that maintain quality over time. This study examines the efficacy of Purdue Improved Crop Storage (PICS) hermetic bags for storage of green coffee in a simulated small farm setting. PICS bags with the standard three layers (PICS3), PICS bags with two layers (PICS2), and Traditional jute sacks were studied. Quality indicators examined were moisture content, water activity, and cupping score. Analysis of coffee stored at monthly intervals over seven months suggests that both versions of PICS show promise in maintaining moisture content, water activity, and sensory scores. Furthermore, the data suggest that water activity is a better indicator of quality than the currently used moisture content and there is no statistically significant difference in performance between the two PICS treatments.     

Improved keeping quality of minimally fresh processed celery sticks by modified atmosphere packaging

Recommended storage conditions of green celery sticks are 4 °C for 10 days, but there are no reports about optimal modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) conditions to preserve them longer. The objective of this research was to describe the gas composition of MAP generated by two polymeric films and its effects on chemical, sensorial and microbial quality, and physiological disorders of celery sticks stored at 4 °C for 15 days. Green sticks of 15-cm length of ‘Trinova’ cv. were placed in hermetically sealed plastic bags: low-density polyethylene, oriented polypropylene (OPP) and polyethylene-perforated bags as control (air). The O₂ and CO₂ concentrations, soluble solid content, pH, titratable acidity, colour, sensorial quality and sugar and organic acids contents were monitored. Compared to the control, both MAP treatments improved the sensory quality, avoided the loss of green colour, decreased the development of pithiness and retarded the growth of microorganisms. In any treatment neither off-odours nor off-flavours were detected. After 15 days at 4 °C within the OPP bags a steady-state atmosphere of 6 kPa O₂+7 kPa CO₂ was reached and celery sticks stored under these bags showed the best quality.     

Quality of Atlantic Mackerel (Scomber scombrus L.) Fillets during Modified Atmosphere Storage

Sensory, physical, biochemical and microbial quality were investigated in mackerel fillets stored under CO₂ modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) at -2°C for 21 days. Packaging gas composition remained constant during storage. An experienced sensory panel found seaweedy and cucumber-like odors (raw) decreased whereas sourness corresponded with lactic acid bacteria increase. Both sensory (raw) fillet ‘yellowness’ and Hunter ‘b’ values increased. Visual (cooked) moistness and expressible fluid decreased but no difference was found in cooking losses. Small increases in total volatile base-nitrogen and trimethylamine-nitrogen paralleled aerobic plate counts; ethanol increased linearly. Coliforms, yeasts and molds were detected at < 10 CFU/g. CO₂ MAP storage at – 2°C can maintain Grade 1 shelf-life extension for ≥ 21 days     

Hermetic storage for control of common bean weevil,Acanthoscelides obtectus (Say)

This study evaluated hermetic storage as a method of controlling Acanthoscelides obtectus (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Bruchinae) in stored beans. Recently harvested “vermelhinho” cultivar of the common red bean was used, which had already been infested by A. obtectus in the field. Beans with a moisture content of 15.0% wet basis were stored in silo bags (3 kg), plastic bottles (1.5 L), or non-hermetic glass containers (3 L) (control) for 120 days. The packages were stored in an acclimatized chamber at 25 °C with a relative humidity of 70 ± 5%. At time intervals of 0, 30, 60, 90, and 120 days, three packages of each treatment were opened, and analyses were performed to assess the infestation percentage by insect pests, moisture content, density, electrical conductivity, germination percentage, and cooking time. There was no increase in infestation by A. obtectus in the grains stored in the silo bags and plastic bottles during the 120 days of storage; however, there was a significant increase in infestation in the grains in non-hermetic storage (control). The quality of the beans correlated with infestation; it was not altered in the hermetic storage systems and decreased in the control sample. Hermetic storage of common beans is an effective tool in the control of A. obtectus.     

Hermetic storage as an alternative for controlling Callosobruchus maculatus (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) and preserving the quality of cowpeas

The aim of this study was to assess the use of modified atmosphere through hermetic storage in polyethylene silo bags and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles as a technique to control Callosobruchus maculatus (F.) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Bruchinae) and to preserve the quality of cowpeas during storage. Cowpea grains were stored in polyethylene silo bags, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles and glass recipients (control) for 30, 60, 90 and 120 days. Each treatment was replicated four times. After each storage period, we assessed the insect infestation percentage and measured the moisture content, the bulk density, the germination percentage and the electrical conductivity of the grains. The percentage of infestation by C. maculatus for cowpeas stored in silo bags and PET bottles was low and did not exceed 4% during the entire storage period. In contrast, the percentage of infestation by C. maculatus increased in untreated cowpeas over the storage period. The moisture content, bulk density, germination percentage and electrical conductivity of the cowpeas were preserved in both hermetic storage systems that were tested for 120 days. To conclude, the hermetic storage of cowpeas using silo bags and PET bottles can efficiently control C. maculatus and preserve the quality of cowpeas for at least 120 days of storage.     

Vacuum Hermetic Fumigation: A review

Methyl Bromide and Phosphine are the most widely used chemical fumigants for insect control in stored grains. Ozone depletion, insect resistance, and residues on grain surface are the problems with the use of chemical fumigants. Zero tolerance for chemical residues under the international trade agreements require alternative solutions for safe and durable storage. Controlled atmosphere (CA)/modified atmosphere storage (MAS), temperature manipulation, hermetic storage, pressure manipulation (hyperbaric and hypobaric), safe fumigants of botanical derivatives and combination of these technologies have been practiced. Each method had certain merits and limitations restricting direct replacement for the existing chemical methods. This review explores chemical disinfection and physical methods with special emphasis on vacuum hermetic fumigation (VH-F). Modern hermetic storage systems utilize ultra-low oxygen and water permeability materials for storage of grains. Depletion of oxygen in the storage systems naturally or through the application of negative pressure (50–100 mm Hg) causes slower metabolic rate and finally cessation of basic metabolism and death of insects in a few days (up to 7 days). The efficacy of VH-F on the lethality of insects depends on vacuum level, stage and type of insects, temperature, CO₂ level and exposure time. Suitability of vacuum hermetic storage systems for various agricultural produces as an alternative to chemical fumigation and the future scope of vacuum hermetic fumigation system are discussed.     

Extending the shelf life of fresh ewe’s cheese by modified atmosphere packaging

This study evaluated the effect of modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) in extending the shelf life of a fresh ewe’s cheese stored at 4 °C for 21 days. Three batches were prepared with 20, 30 or 50% CO₂ with N₂ as filler gas. MAP controlled well the microbial growth, and the best result was obtained with 50% CO₂. Pathogens were not detected in any sample. Softening of cheese was best reduced by 30% or 50% CO₂. The sensory characteristics of the cheeses markedly decreased during storage. Only the sample stored with 50% CO₂ obtained an overall score above the acceptability at 14 days.     

Impact of moisture content and maize weevils on maize quality during hermetic and non-hermetic storage

The objective of this study was to determine the impact of moisture content and Sitophilus zeamais Motschulsky on maize quality during hermetic and non-hermetic storage conditions. Commercial Channel 211-97 hybrid maize kernels were conditioned to 14, 16, 18, and 20% moisture content (wet basis), and then three replications of 300 g of maize grain were stored in glass jars or triple Ziploc^® slider 66-μm(2.6-mil) polyethylene bags at four conditions: hermetic with weevils, hermetic no-weevils, non-hermetic with weevils, non-hermetic no-weevils. All jars and bags were stored in an environmental chamber at 27 °C and 70% relative humidity for either 30 or 60 d. At the end of each storage period, jars and bags were assessed for visual mold growth, mycotoxin levels, gas concentrations, pH level, the numbers of live and dead S. zeamais, and maize moisture content. The maize stored in non-hermetic conditions with weevils at 18 and 20% exhibited high levels of mold growth and aflatoxin contamination (>150 ppb). Conversely, very little mold growth was observed in maize stored in hermetic, and no aflatoxins were detected in any moisture level. CO₂ increased and O₂ gradually decreased as storage time increased for maize stored in hermetic conditions (with or without weevils) in all moisture level. No significant difference in pH was observed in any storage conditions (P < 0.05). Total mortality (100%) of S. zeamais was observed in all hermetically stored samples at the end of 60 days storage. Moisture content for hermetically stored maize was relatively constant. A positive correlation between moisture content and storage time was observed for maize stored in non-hermetic with weevils (r = 0.96, P < 0.05). The results indicate that moisture content and the number of S. zeamais weevils plays a significant role in maize storage, both under hermetic and non-hermetic conditions.     

Effect of roasting conditions and grinding on free radical contents of coffee beans stored in air

The influence of roasting and storage conditions on free radical contents of individual Arabica coffee beans was examined during storage of whole, half and ground beans in air over a 1-month period. Free radical contents increased with increasing roasting time (roasting degree), but the atmosphere (air vs. N₂) used in the roasting and cooling process had little effect. There was a progressive increase in free radical contents with storage time, but the rate was much lower in whole beans than with half and fully ground beans, for which the rate was similar. These results suggest that exposure to O₂, rather than physical grinding is the main mechanism for storage-related free radical generation, and strongly indicate that roasted coffee is best kept as whole beans in order to minimise changes during prolonged periods of aerobic storage. Furthermore, they demonstrate that EPR measurements can contribute to understanding the process and storage related changes in coffee.     

Elucidation of colour development and microstructural characteristics of Allium sativum fumigated with acetic acid

It has been well known that the greening of Allium sativum cloves could be formed after immersed in acetic acid solution. Nonetheless, no investigation was reported on colour development of A. sativum in response to acetic acid vapour until now. In this study, the brief exposure of A. sativum to acetic acid vapour (200–400 ppm) was combined with controlled atmosphere (5%, 20% and 80% CO₂) packaging storage to break cell membrane and green garlic. The garlic bulbs were fumigated with acetic acid before controlled CO₂ atmosphere packaging for 25 days at 4 °C. Fumigation with 200 ppm acetic acid followed by high CO₂ atmosphere packaging (80% CO₂) facilitated the garlic greening. It was also verified that γ‐glutamyl transpeptidase was involved in garlic greening in present study, and the compromise of glacial acetic acid vapour fumigation and CO₂ gas atmosphere in package stored at low temperature could result in garlic greening as well.     

Quality of maize grains treated with allyl isothiocyanate stored in hermetic bags

This purpose of this study was to evaluate the quality of maize grain treated with allyl isothiocyanate (AITC) and stored under hermetic conditions. Maize grains with moisture contents of 14.8 or 17.9% wet basis (w.b.) initial moisture content were packaged in high density polyethylene bags and submitted to treatment with AITC at a concentration of 300 μL kg⁻¹. The bags were stored in controlled temperature chambers at 15, 25 or 35 °C. At 30-day intervals, for a period of 150 days, three bags were removed from the chambers and the grains were submitted to commercial classification, moisture content, bulk density, germination potential and electrical conductivity analyses. It was verified that AITC at 300 μL kg⁻¹ has no significant effect on the physiological quality of maize grains stored in hermetic bags. The microbiological analyses indicate the control of fungi and yeasts on the grains stored with 17.9% w.b. and treated with AITC. The maize grains stored with 14.8% w.b. moisture content in hermetic systems suffered no deterioration and retained their quality for a longer period than grains stored with 17.9% w.b. moisture content, independent of AITC treatment.     

QUALITY OF MODIFIED ATMOSPHERE PACKAGED "BARTLETT" PEARS AS INFLUENCED BY TIME AND TYPE OF STORAGE

Commercially mature “Bartlett” pears for this study were obtained from local commercial packing facilities. In the first year, pears were packed in modified atmosphere bags and placed in boxes or packed normally (control) with an individual paper wrap around each pear plus a polyethylene liner in the box. Boxed pears from both types of packaging were stored in regular atmosphere (RA) storage at 1C for 30 or 90 days. In the second year, pears were packed normally and stored in both RA or controlled atmosphere (CA) storage for 45 or 90 days, or packed in modified atmosphere bags and stored in RA at 1C. After 45 days, normally packed pears from both RA and CA were removed from their initial storage, placed in modified atmosphere bags and returned to RA storage for an additional 45 days. Pears stored in modified atmosphere bags were superior in quality to normally packed pears stored only in RA storage and equal in quality to pears stored in CA for periods of 90 days. The quality of pears held in modified atmosphere bags under CA conditions deteriorated after only short periods of time (<45 days). Pears in modified atmosphere bags should be stored only in RA. Little or no quality advantage was evident if use of modified atmosphere bags was delayed regardless of prior storage type.     

Comparative effects of hermetic and traditional storage devices on maize grain: Mycotoxin development,insect infestation and grain quality

A large-scale study was conducted to assess which of the five most accessible hermetic storage devices on the Kenyan market fulfill the needs of smallholder farmers by positively impacting three major areas of concern: insect infestation, grain quality, and mycotoxin (aflatoxin and fumonisin) contamination. Efficacy of two hermetic silos (plastic and metal) and three hermetic bags (PICS, GrainPro's GrainSafe™, and Super Grain) was directly compared to current maize storage in polypropylene (PP) bags under local environmental conditions using representative storage volumes during a 6-month storage period. Impact of maize grain stored at typical (∼15%) and recommended (<13.5%) moisture levels and potential efficacy losses through frequent interruption of the underlying hermetic principals was assessed. Hermetic storage significantly reduced the increase in aflatoxin compared to PP bags regardless of the moisture level of the grain. An <5% per month aflatoxin increase was achieved by three of the five devices tested: Metal silo, PICS and GrainSafe™ bag. A strong correlation between grain moisture, storage time and aflatoxin development was found in PP bags, but not in any of the hermetic devices. The same result was not obtained for fumonisin development in stored maize. The rate of Fumonisin increase was similar in all tested devices, including the polypropylene bags, and conditions. The periodic opening of the hermetic devices had no significant effect on the efficacy of the hermetic devices but the repeated disturbance of the PP bags led to a significant increase in aflatoxin levels. The maize weevil Sitophilus spp. was most commonly found with a total incidence of 72%. Grain storage under hermetic conditions reduced insect infestation, grain weight loss and discoloration. However, maize storage above recommended moisture levels led to a distinct odor development in all hermetic devices but not the PP bags. Hence, proper grain drying is a prerequisite for maize storage in airtight conditions.     

STORAGE QUALITY OF MINIMALLY PROCESSED CABBAGE PACKAGED IN PLASTIC FILMS

The effects of packaging and storage at 3C in a refrigerated case on quality changes of minimally processed cabbage were studied. Shredded cabbage samples were packaged in three forms: bags of monooriented polypropylene film (OPP bags) and polyethylene trays overwrapped with a multilayer polyolefin (RD106-PE tray) or with a plasticized PVC film (PVC-PE tray). All types of package effectively controlled the weight loss. The modified atmosphere in PVC-and RD106- PE trays did not change more than 3% as compared with normal atmosphere levels. However, in OPP bags, O₂ reached 2% and CO₂ increased to approximately 13% after 3 days. The microbiological quality during the storage period for all types of packaging was satisfactory. OPP samples were significantly better (p <0.05) in general appearance, wilting and browning but developed an off-odor. No off-odor was detected in samples packaged in PVC and RD106-PE trays. Shelf life for the three packaging forms was estimated.     

Sensory Characteristics of Fresh-Cut Spinach Preserved by Combined Factors Methodology

Fresh‐cut spinach was treated with citric acid and ascorbic acid solutions and packaged in monooriented polypropylene (OPP) bags or low density polyethylene (LDPE) bags. Sensory attributes, chlorophyll retention, and weight loss were evaluated throughout refrigerated storage. Mathematical models were developed to analyze and predict the effect of the citric acid and ascorbic acid concentrations and storage time on off‐odor development, general appearance, wilting, browning, and color. Sensory attributes of fresh‐cut spinach decreased with storage time. Type of film affected off‐odor development, but did not influence visual sensory attributes. Chemical treatment and type of packaging film did not affect chlorophyll retention. Both types of packaging film controlled weight loss.     

EFFECT OF STORAGE CONDITIONS ON THE SENSORY QUALITY OF GROUND ARABICA COFFEE

The objective of this study was to determine how long ground coffee beans could be stored at room and freezing temperatures before sensory changes could be detected, and to identify specific attribute changes associated with this storage. Ground beans were stored for 0 (fresh), 1, 2 and 3 weeks at room and freezing temperatures. Coffee was prepared from each of these treatments and difference testing was performed. Paired comparison tests were conducted on the fresh, 1‐ and 2‐week‐stored coffee grounds to examine the attributes of coffee aroma, flavor, bitterness and overall preference. At room temperature storage, results indicated significant (P < 0.05) differences in the coffee prepared from fresh versus the 2‐week‐stored ground beans. Coffee made from freshly ground beans had a stronger coffee aroma, less bitterness and was more preferred compared with the beans stored for 1 or 2 weeks (P < 0.05). At freezer storage, differences were detected between coffee prepared from coffee grounds stored for 1 or 2 weeks. Coffee prepared from grounds stored for 2 weeks had a stronger coffee aroma and was more bitter compared with the other storage times (P < 0.05).