Effect of vacuum impregnation on enzymatic browning of fresh‐cut potatoes during refrigerated storage

Assessment of the effect of ascorbic acid, sodium isoascorbate and calcium ascorbate treatments on the browning and wound healing process of fresh-cut potatoes

Browning significantly affects consumer perception, while texture hardening due to wound healing further reduces the commercial value of fresh-cut potatoes. This study evaluated the effects of 5 g L-1 ascorbic acid (AA), sodium isoascorbate (SI), and calcium ascorbate (CA) on browning and wound healing during ambient storage. The results indicated that AA and SI were more effective than CA and the control in delaying browning and wound healing. By day 3, browning levels in the AA and SI groups were reduced to 65 % and 62 % of the control, respectively, while lignin content decreased by 35 % and 40 %. Additionally, AA and SI treatments reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) and improved antioxidant capacity, preserving appearance and texture. This study provides insights into the mechanisms of browning and wound healing, suggesting potential strategies for extending the shelf life and improving the quality of fresh-cut potatoes.

Calcium chloride connects potato greening and enzymatic browning through salicylic acid

Greening and enzymatic browning are important factors causing post-harvest losses in potatoes. Although they are two different biological processes, there are some common inhibitors between them. Whether there is a correlation between the two has yet to be studies. In this research, we conducted transcriptome analysis of non-greening and greening potatoes, identifying several browning-related genes (polyphenol oxidase genes and peroxidase genes). Compared to non-greening potatoes, greening potatoes exhibited a greater browning degree. And calcium chloride (CaCl2) can inhibit both greening and enzymatic browning. However, the inhibitory effect on potatoes was weakened when treated simultaneously with SA synthesis inhibitor and CaCl2, indicating that CaCl2 can regulate potato greening and browning by affecting internal SA synthesis. Additionally, exogenous SA treatment of potato tubers can also inhibit enzymatic browning. Our study not only demonstrated that CaCl2 and SA can serve as a bridge connecting the potato greening and enzymatic browning, but also provided important references for the development of novel co-inhibitors.

Recent advances in vacuum impregnation of fruits and vegetables processing: A concise review

Vacuum impregnation (VI) is a novel, non-thermal treatment that aims to modify the composition of food material by partially removing water and air and impregnating it with physiologically active compounds without affecting the structural integrity of food matrix. Application of VI accelerates the mass transfer processes, which leads to few changes in food composition and improves dehydration. Large volumes in intracellular spaces of fruit and vegetable tissues make it suitable to introduce different agents like nutrients, cryoprotectants, browning inhibitors, enzymes, and chemicals; enhancing texture profile and inhibiting tissue softening, or compounds lowering water activity and pH. water activity Thus, the VI may help to achieve new product quality associated with physicochemical features and sensory attributes. This review highlights the evolution and mechanism of VI technique, major factors affecting VI of fruits and vegetables and their responses to processing, and industrial relevance. Vacuum impregnation consists ability to revolutionize various aspects of food processing and preservation. VI serves as a versatile tool that enhances the quality, shelf life, and nutritional content of processed fruits and vegetables. It offers unique advantages of altering product composition by introducing desired compounds while preserving structural integrity. VI improves mass transfer processes, reduces water content, enhances the absorption of nutrients, antioxidants, and preservatives. This technology finds application in producing fortified foods, extending shelf life, and creating innovative products with improved sensory attributes. VI's ability to efficiently impregnate substances into porous materials, combined with its energy-saving potential and compatibility with other processing methods, makes it a valuable tool in the food industry. As consumers demand healthier and long-lasting products, VI emerges as a promising solution for meeting market demands.