Open Access
Effects of gaseous ozone on microbiological quality of Andean blackberries (Rubus glaucus Benth)
(MDPI, 2021) Horvitz Szoichet, Sandra Susana; Arancibia, Mirari; Arroqui Vidaurreta, Cristina; Chonata, Erika; Virseda Chamorro, Paloma; Institute on Innovation and Sustainable Development in Food Chain - ISFOOD
Andean blackberries are highly perishable due to their susceptibility to water loss, softening, mechanical injuries, and postharvest diseases. In this study, the antimicrobial efficacy of gaseous ozone against spoilage (mesophiles, psychrotrophs, and yeasts and molds) and pathogenic (E. coli, S. enterica, and B. cinerea) microorganisms was evaluated during 10 days of storage at 6 ± 1◦ C. Respiration rate and mass loss were also determined. Ozone was applied prior to storage at 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, and 0.7 ppm, for 3 min. The best results were observed with the higher ozone dose, with initial maximum reductions of ~0.5, 1.09, and 0.46 log units for E. coli, S. enterica, and B. cinerea, respectively. For the native microflora, maximum reductions of 1.85, 1.89, and 2.24 log units were achieved on day 1 for the mesophiles, psychrotrophs, and yeasts and molds, respectively, and this effect was maintained throughout storage. In addition, the lower respiration rate and mass loss of the blackberries ozonated at 0.7 ppm indicate that this treatment did not induce physiological damage to the fruit. Gaseous O3 could be effective in maintaining the postharvest quality of blackberries throughout refrigerated storage but higher doses could be advisable to enhance its antimicrobial activity.
Open Access
Extra-virgin olive oil enriched with lycopene: from industrial tomato by-products to consumer
(Wiley, 2024) Fernández Pan, Idoya; Horvitz Szoichet, Sandra Susana; Ibáñez Moya, Francisco C.; Arroqui Vidaurreta, Cristina; Beriain Apesteguía, María José; Virseda Chamorro, Paloma; Institute on Innovation and Sustainable Development in Food Chain - ISFOOD; Universidad Pública de Navarra / Nafarroako Unibertsitate Publikoa
Lycopene is usually extracted from the by-product of the tomato industry using organic solvents (OS) in combination with a physical technique. An emerging physical technique is high-pressure processing (HPP). This study aims to find a method by applying a green solvent (edible vegetable oils) in an HPP-assisted solid-liquid extraction. Three dosages of tomato by-product (10%, 20%, and 40%, w/v) were tested using OS, sunflower oil (RSO), and extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO). Lycopene recovery increased with the ratio of by-product to oil, particularly when using EVOO. In another stage of the study, consumers evaluated EVOO that contained two doses of tomato by-product (10% and 20%, w/v). Consumers preferred the EVOO from 10% tomato by-product ratio over that with 20%. Additionally, 83.8% of consumers stated that enriched oil could be deemed beneficial for health. The proposed method considers the fundamental principles of the circular economy and practical industrial scenario to recover lycopene from tomato by-product.
Open Access
Mild high hydrostatic pressure processing: effects on techno-functional properties and allergenicity of ovalbumin
(Elsevier, 2024) Horvitz Szoichet, Sandra Susana; Arroqui Vidaurreta, Cristina; Virseda Chamorro, Paloma; Institute on Innovation and Sustainable Development in Food Chain - ISFOOD; Universidad Pública de Navarra / Nafarroako Unibertsitate Publikoa
The effects of mild (250–350 MPa) high hydrostatic pressures (HHP) on the technological properties of ovalbumin were studied. Thermal gels were prepared using HHP-treated ovalbumin. Their characteristics and the efficacy of HHP processing to inhibit allergenicity were evaluated. The samples treated at 250 MPa/15 min, 350 MPa/10 min and 350 MPa/15 min showed the best results for solubility and water and oil absorption capacities, respectively. Regardless of treatment duration, foaming capacity increased with pressure. The foam stability only increased significantly in the samples subjected to 350 MPa for 10 and 15 min. On the contrary, the mildest treatment yielded the highest emulsifying activity index and emulsion stability. Improved gel strength and water holding capacity were observed, particularly under 300 MPa, resulting in a maximum inhibition of allergenicity (46.75%).
Open Access
Efecto del estado de madurez y atmósferas modificadas sobre la calidad de cerezas cv. Sweetheart
(Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, 2004) Horvitz Szoichet, Sandra Susana; Yommi, Alejandra; López Camelo, Andrés; Godoy, Carlos; Tecnología de Alimentos; Elikagaien Teknologia
Se estudió el efecto de cosechar cerezas en dos estados de madurez, así como el uso de atmósferas modificadas empleando PBD y PVC, sobre la calidad de fruta almacenada a 0 °C durante 21 y 42 días, respectivamente. La calidad fue evaluada en base a pérdida de peso (%), color (ángulo hue), firmeza, contenido de sólidos solubles, aspecto de los pedicelos y presencia de podredumbres. La fruta cosechada más madura presentó color, sólidos solubles y firmeza adecuados durante los 21 días a 0 °C, pero el almacenamiento estuvo limitado por la deshidratación de los pedicelos, que mantuvieron aspecto comercial sólo durante una semana. Para ambos estados de madurez, la pérdida de peso fue importante y se registró aumento del contenido de sólidos solubles y firmeza. Sin embargo, la fruta cosechada más inmadura no alcanzó en ningún momento la coloración ni contenido de azúcares de la fruta cosechada en estado de madurez más avanzado. Mediante el uso de las bolsas PBD se logró minimizar la deshidratación y mantener las características organolépticas de la fruta, así como un alto porcentaje de pedicelos con buen aspecto y color durante los 42 días de conservación en frío. El uso de PVC se vio limitado por el deterioro de los pedicelos que afectó alrededor del 50 % de la fruta analizada al término de la primera semana.
Open Access
Microbial and sensory quality of an Andean blackberry (Rubus glaucus Benth) cultivar
(ISHS, 2020-04-07) Horvitz Szoichet, Sandra Susana; Chanaguano, Diana; Agronomía, Biotecnología y Alimentación; Agronomia, Bioteknologia eta Elikadura
The 'moras de Castilla' (Andean blackberries) are the blackberries most commonly cultivated in Ecuador. They are considered as non-climacteric fruit and thus, they are usually harvested at full maturity. They are also very perishable as rapid mold growth occurs during the postharvest period. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of harvest maturity and storage temperature on the microbiological and sensory quality of Andean blackberries. Blackberries were harvested at maturity stages 3 (light red) and 5 (dark purple), packed in PET clamshells (200±10 g) and stored under room temperature (18±2°C) or cold storage (8±1°C). The analyses were performed on days 0, 3, 6, and 9 of storage for sensory (visual quality, color, aroma, firmness and overall impression) and microbiological quality (total aerobic mesophiles, psychrotrophes, and yeasts and molds). Molds and yeasts' growth was the main factor limiting blackberries shelf-life. The counts for this microbial group continuously increased during the storage period, mainly under room temperature. Psychrotrophes were detected only after 6 and 9 days of cold storage in the more immature fruit and, regardless of maturity stage, mesophiles counts were greater in the blackberries stored at 18°C. The more mature fruit received higher scores in the sensory analyses and were preferred by the panelists as the blackberries harvested at maturity stage 3 were ¿too firm¿ and did not develop their full color and characteristic aroma. Based on our results, and even when the Ecuadorian Quality Standard allows to harvest blackberries when they reach the maturity stage 3, the fruit should be harvested at maturity stage 5 and kept under cold storage as refrigeration was effective in delaying microbial growth and in extending the shelf-life period from 3 days at 18°C to 8 days in cold storage.
Open Access
Low gaseous ozone doses as an elicitor for health-promoting compounds in Andean blackberries (Rubus glaucus Benth)
(Elsevier, 2024-07-01) Horvitz Szoichet, Sandra Susana; Urbano, Miryan; Arroqui Vidaurreta, Cristina; Virseda Chamorro, Paloma; Institute on Innovation and Sustainable Development in Food Chain - ISFOOD
Andean blackberries are appreciated for their unique flavor, high nutritional quality, and antioxidant properties. In this study, the effectiveness of low doses (0.4; 0.5; 0.6 and 0.7 µL L-1 for 3 min) of gaseous ozone as an elicitor for health-promoting compounds was evaluated during 10 d of storage at 6 ± 1 °C. The physicochemical and sensory quality of the fruit was also determined. Ozone was used in a single application before storage. Initially, regardless of the dose applied, no negative effects of the O3 treatments were observed in any of the parameters studied. In addition, the firmness, the antioxidant activity and the fructose, vitamin C and polyphenols contents were higher in the O3-treated fruit compared to the control. During storage, these differences were maintained except for the 0.7 µL L-1 dose. This indicates that low concentrations of gaseous O3 could promote the synthesis of biocompounds and be effective in maintaining the postharvest quality of blackberries for at least 4 days of refrigerated storage. However, more research is needed to maintain these advantages during longer storage periods.
Open Access
Effects of temperature and semi-permeable film on quality of stored artichokes (Cynara scolymus L.)
(ISHS, 2001) Yommi, Alejandra; Giletto, C.; Horvitz Szoichet, Sandra Susana; López Camelo, Andrés; Tecnología de Alimentos; Elikagaien Teknologia
Artichoke's shelf life at room temperature is limited to only a few days. Quick removal of field temperature and storage at 0-5°C with 90% RH contribute to maintain quality (Miccolis et al., 1988). Previous results (Yommi et al., 1996) indicate that packing with HDPE reduced weight loss and extended postharvest life of artichoke heads. To prevent internal browning, the equilibrium atmosphere inside the bags should be above 2% O2 and below 3% CO2 (Saltveit, 1989). The aim of this study was to evaluate quality changes of stored artichokes at 5°C or room temperature and packed with different semi-permeable films.
Open Access
Recent technology and advances in fresh-cut products
(CRC Press, 2023) Horvitz Szoichet, Sandra Susana; Arroqui Vidaurreta, Cristina; Virseda Chamorro, Paloma; Agronomía, Biotecnología y Alimentación; Agronomia, Bioteknologia eta Elikadura; Institute on Innovation and Sustainable Development in Food Chain - ISFOOD
Open Access
Application of ozone for the postharvest treatment of fruits and vegetables
(Taylor & Francis , 2013-11-04) Horvitz Szoichet, Sandra Susana; Cantalejo Díez, María Jesús; Tecnología de Alimentos; Elikagaien Teknologia; Institute on Innovation and Sustainable Development in Food Chain - ISFOOD
Fruits and vegetables consumption has risen noticeably during recent decades, leading to a greater frequency of foodborne illnesses associated with fresh produce. Novel industrial applications and improvements in ozone technology together with new regulatory actions worldwide have emerged in recent years, making its use in the food industry easier. This technology has attracted considerable commercial interest, especially because ozone does not leave any residues on the treated produce and it is also accepted by many organic grower organizations. However, discrepancies regarding the efficacy of this technology are often found in the bibliography and further research is still needed. These differences could be attributed to a great variability in the conditions of the research work: method of ozone generation and application, O3 concentration and exposure time to the gas, as well as the way in which produce is packed. In this sense, standardization in the working conditions and in the units to measure ozone concentration will be useful to better understand the mode of action and the effects of ozone on food products. Consequently, it would be possible to improve its potential as a sanitizer in the food industry.
Open Access
Application of gibberellic acid to 'Sweetheart' sweet cherries: Effects on fruit quality at harvest and during cold storage
(ISHS, 2003) Horvitz Szoichet, Sandra Susana; Godoy, Carlos; López Camelo, Andrés; Yommi, Alejandra; Tecnología de Alimentos; Elikagaien Teknologia
Large cherry fruit are preferred by most consumers and gibberellic acid (GA) can be used to increase fruit size and firmness. The effects of a preharvest GA application on quality of 'Sweetheart' cherries at harvest and during cold storage were evaluated. Treated trees were sprayed with 10 and 30 ppm GA when fruit color was straw-yellow (approx. 74 °hue). When fruit reached their commercial color (approx. 21 °hue), samples of 20 fruit/tree were harvested and quality was evaluated in terms of: weight, size, color, firmness, flesh/stone ratio, pedicel aspect, soluble solids content (SSC) and cracking index. Additional samples of 20 units were placed in plastic trays, packed in LDPE bags and stored at 0 °C for 21 days. Fresh weight loss, firmness, color, SSC and pedicel condition were measured on a weekly basis. Treated fruit reached harvest maturity 5 days later than control fruit and were larger, heavier, and firmer compared with controls. 10 ppm GA-treated fruit had the highest flesh/stone ratio, followed by 30 ppm GA and untreated fruit, while no significant differences were found for SSC and cracking index. During cold storage, fruit treated with 30 ppm GA were significantly firmer than those given 10 ppm GA and these, in turn, were firmer than the controls. Fresh weight loss was negligible and firmness increased towards the end of the experiment in all the treatments. GA treatments did not affect color or SSC, but increased the percentage of cherries with commercial pedicels. The 5-day delay in the harvest date, extending the fruit growing period, may be responsible for the increase in size, weight and firmness obtained with GA. These differences were also maintained during the 21 days of cold storage when treated fruit maintained a superior quality to control fruit.