Premium
EFFECTS OF STORAGE CONDITIONS ON FIRMNESS OF BRINED CUCUMBERS
Author(s) -
THOMPSON R. L.,
FLEMING H. P.,
MONROE R. J.
Publication year - 1979
Publication title -
journal of food science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.772
H-Index - 150
eISSN - 1750-3841
pISSN - 0022-1147
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2621.1979.tb08516.x
Subject(s) - chemistry , brine , pectinase , softening , food science , fermentation , horticulture , enzyme , biochemistry , mathematics , organic chemistry , statistics , biology
Brined, fermented cucumbers were stored up to 1 yr under various conditions of pH (3.3, 3.8), NaCl concentration (5.5, 11.4%), temperature (4.4, 15.5, 26.6°C), storage time (3, 6, 9, 12 months), and CaCl 2 , addition (0.1%). Polygalacturonase (PC) activity in the brine was negligible. Firmness of the cucumbers was determined with a Magness‐Taylor fruit pressure tester. Temperature had the greatest influence upon retention of firmness, but effects of pH, % NaCl, and storage time also were significant (P ≤ 0.01). Rates of firmness loss ranged from <0.05 to ca 0.5 lb/month, depending upon pH, % NaCl and temperature. Firmness retention was greatest at 4.4–15.5°C, pH 3.8 and 11.4% NaCl. A prediction equation for the rate of firmness loss was developed. Addition of 0.1% CaCl 2 to the brine resulted in firmer cucumbers, particularly those stored at pH 3.3 (P < 0.01). Results indicated that firmness of cucumbers can be retained at lower brine strengths than currently used, provided the cucumbers are washed prior to brining to remove softening enzymes as in the controlled fermentation process, and temperature of the brine stock is maintained at ca 15.5°C or lower.