Raisin processing: physicochemical, nutritional and microbiological quality characteristics as affected by drying process.
Processing and conservation of grapes by suitable techniques has been a major challenging issue for a long time. Optimization of drying and pretreatment operations of this fruit have been extensively studied. However, in order to achieve the production of high-quality raisins and reach consumers’ acceptance, special attention for quality attributes should be taken into account. […]
Salt content dependent dielectric properties of pistachios relevant to radio-frequency pasteurization.
This study was conducted to investigate the effect of salt content during radio-frequency (RF) heating on rate of temperature increase, dielectric properties (DPs), and reduction of pathogens in pistachios. Also, the effect of RF heating on pistachio quality of varying salt content was determined. Pistachios of different salt content (0, 100, and 330 mg sodium/serving) were inoculated with Salmonella […]
Validation of a nut muffin baking process and thermal resistance characterization of a 7-serovar Salmonella inoculum in batter when introduced via flour or walnuts.
This study was conducted to validate a commercial nut muffin baking process and to compare the survival of a 7-serovar Salmonella cocktail when contaminated via inoculated flour or walnuts. Enriched wheat flour or walnut pieces were mist inoculated with the Salmonella cocktail and dried back to the pre-inoculation weight, resulting in a Salmonella population level of […]
Effect of micro-encapsulated antioxidant formulations on mycobiota, residual levels, sensory analyses and insect pest attack in stored peanuts.
The in situ effect of microencapsulated 2(3)-tert-butyl-4 hydroxyanisole (BHA) on stored peanuts (Arachis hipogaea) intended for human consumption was evaluated. Peanut were stored unshelled in flexible containers called "big bags" that were made of polypropylene raffia. 100 kg of peanuts were used in each big bag and stored in refrigerated cells (<18 °C) for about 5 months in two different peanut processing companies […]
Evaluation of peanut skin and grape seed extracts to inhibit growth of foodborne pathogens.
Peanut skin extract (PSE) and grape seed extract (GSE) are derived from waste products in the wine and peanut industries, respectively. Both have high concentrations of polyphenols, known to possess antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. PSE primarily contains "A-type" procyanidins, while GSE primarily contains "B-type" procyanidins. These differ structurally, but are both isomers of epicatechin dimers. The objective of […]
Application of Power Ultrasound on the Convective Drying of Fruits and Vegetables: Effects on quality.
Drying allows the obtaining of products with a long shelf life by reducing the water activity to a level low enough for the growth of microorganisms, enzymatic reactions, and other deteriorative reactions to be inhibited. Despite the benefits of this operation, the quality of heat sensitive products is diminished when high temperatures are used. The […]
Evaluation the effect of gamma irradiation on microbial, chemical and sensorial properties of peanut (Arachis hypogaea l.) seeds.
BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the possibility to apply gamma radiation treatment for decontaminating and assuring the quality of peanut seeds. METHODS: The radiation processing was carried out at dose levels of 3, 6 and 9 kGy. The irradiated and non-irradiated (control) samples were stored at room temperature for 12 […]
Influence of controlled atmosphere on thermal inactivation of Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 in almond powder.
Heat controlled atmosphere (CA) treatments hold potential to pasteurize Salmonella enteritidis PT 30 in almonds. Nonpathogenic Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 was used as a surrogate species of pathogenic Salmonella for validation of thermal pasteurization to meet critical safety requirements. A controlled atmosphere/heating block system (CA-HBS) was used to rapidly determine thermal inactivation of E. coli […]
Physico-chemical characteristics and fungal profile of four Saudi fresh date (Phoenix dactylifera L.) cultivars.
Physico-chemical and microbial analyses of four commercial fresh date cultivars (Sukari, Barhi, Khalas and Rothana) grown in Saudi Arabia were evaluated. Colorimetric assay indicated that Sukari had the highest total sugar content of 13.21g/100gFW while the lowest was in Rothana with 7.96g/100gFW. Total phenolic content (TPC) ranged from 76.74 to 122.20mgGAE/100gFW in Barhi and Rothana […]
Quality changes of stabilizer-free natural peanut butter during storage
The storage stability of preservative-free peanut butter was evaluated for changes in physicochemical quality including moisture content and water activity, microbiological properties, oxidative stability and textural quality in terms of spreadability and firmness. The study was conducted for 16 weeks at storage temperature of 10, 25 and 35 °C on natural and pure peanut butter […]