CA2201880A1 - Methods for inhibiting the discoloration of processed broccoli - Google Patents
Methods for inhibiting the discoloration of processed broccoliInfo
- Publication number
- CA2201880A1 CA2201880A1 CA002201880A CA2201880A CA2201880A1 CA 2201880 A1 CA2201880 A1 CA 2201880A1 CA 002201880 A CA002201880 A CA 002201880A CA 2201880 A CA2201880 A CA 2201880A CA 2201880 A1 CA2201880 A1 CA 2201880A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- broccoli
- parts
- discoloration
- cysteine hydrochloride
- sodium
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A23—FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS; TREATMENT THEREOF, NOT COVERED BY OTHER CLASSES
- A23B—PRESERVING, e.g. BY CANNING, MEAT, FISH, EGGS, FRUIT, VEGETABLES, EDIBLE SEEDS; CHEMICAL RIPENING OF FRUIT OR VEGETABLES; THE PRESERVED, RIPENED, OR CANNED PRODUCTS
- A23B7/00—Preservation or chemical ripening of fruit or vegetables
- A23B7/04—Freezing; Subsequent thawing; Cooling
- A23B7/05—Freezing; Subsequent thawing; Cooling with addition of chemicals or treatment with chemicals other than cryogenics, before or during cooling, e.g. in the form of an ice coating or frozen block
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A23—FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS; TREATMENT THEREOF, NOT COVERED BY OTHER CLASSES
- A23B—PRESERVING, e.g. BY CANNING, MEAT, FISH, EGGS, FRUIT, VEGETABLES, EDIBLE SEEDS; CHEMICAL RIPENING OF FRUIT OR VEGETABLES; THE PRESERVED, RIPENED, OR CANNED PRODUCTS
- A23B7/00—Preservation or chemical ripening of fruit or vegetables
- A23B7/10—Preserving with acids; Acid fermentation
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A23—FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS; TREATMENT THEREOF, NOT COVERED BY OTHER CLASSES
- A23B—PRESERVING, e.g. BY CANNING, MEAT, FISH, EGGS, FRUIT, VEGETABLES, EDIBLE SEEDS; CHEMICAL RIPENING OF FRUIT OR VEGETABLES; THE PRESERVED, RIPENED, OR CANNED PRODUCTS
- A23B7/00—Preservation or chemical ripening of fruit or vegetables
- A23B7/14—Preserving or ripening with chemicals not covered by groups A23B7/08 or A23B7/10
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A23—FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS; TREATMENT THEREOF, NOT COVERED BY OTHER CLASSES
- A23B—PRESERVING, e.g. BY CANNING, MEAT, FISH, EGGS, FRUIT, VEGETABLES, EDIBLE SEEDS; CHEMICAL RIPENING OF FRUIT OR VEGETABLES; THE PRESERVED, RIPENED, OR CANNED PRODUCTS
- A23B7/00—Preservation or chemical ripening of fruit or vegetables
- A23B7/14—Preserving or ripening with chemicals not covered by groups A23B7/08 or A23B7/10
- A23B7/144—Preserving or ripening with chemicals not covered by groups A23B7/08 or A23B7/10 in the form of gases, e.g. fumigation; Compositions or apparatus therefor
- A23B7/148—Preserving or ripening with chemicals not covered by groups A23B7/08 or A23B7/10 in the form of gases, e.g. fumigation; Compositions or apparatus therefor in a controlled atmosphere, e.g. partial vacuum, comprising only CO2, N2, O2 or H2O
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A23—FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS; TREATMENT THEREOF, NOT COVERED BY OTHER CLASSES
- A23B—PRESERVING, e.g. BY CANNING, MEAT, FISH, EGGS, FRUIT, VEGETABLES, EDIBLE SEEDS; CHEMICAL RIPENING OF FRUIT OR VEGETABLES; THE PRESERVED, RIPENED, OR CANNED PRODUCTS
- A23B7/00—Preservation or chemical ripening of fruit or vegetables
- A23B7/14—Preserving or ripening with chemicals not covered by groups A23B7/08 or A23B7/10
- A23B7/153—Preserving or ripening with chemicals not covered by groups A23B7/08 or A23B7/10 in the form of liquids or solids
- A23B7/154—Organic compounds; Microorganisms; Enzymes
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A23—FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS; TREATMENT THEREOF, NOT COVERED BY OTHER CLASSES
- A23B—PRESERVING, e.g. BY CANNING, MEAT, FISH, EGGS, FRUIT, VEGETABLES, EDIBLE SEEDS; CHEMICAL RIPENING OF FRUIT OR VEGETABLES; THE PRESERVED, RIPENED, OR CANNED PRODUCTS
- A23B7/00—Preservation or chemical ripening of fruit or vegetables
- A23B7/14—Preserving or ripening with chemicals not covered by groups A23B7/08 or A23B7/10
- A23B7/153—Preserving or ripening with chemicals not covered by groups A23B7/08 or A23B7/10 in the form of liquids or solids
- A23B7/157—Inorganic compounds
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A23—FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS; TREATMENT THEREOF, NOT COVERED BY OTHER CLASSES
- A23L—FOODS, FOODSTUFFS, OR NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASSES A21D OR A23B-A23J; THEIR PREPARATION OR TREATMENT, e.g. COOKING, MODIFICATION OF NUTRITIVE QUALITIES, PHYSICAL TREATMENT; PRESERVATION OF FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS, IN GENERAL
- A23L3/00—Preservation of foods or foodstuffs, in general, e.g. pasteurising, sterilising, specially adapted for foods or foodstuffs
- A23L3/34—Preservation of foods or foodstuffs, in general, e.g. pasteurising, sterilising, specially adapted for foods or foodstuffs by treatment with chemicals
- A23L3/3454—Preservation of foods or foodstuffs, in general, e.g. pasteurising, sterilising, specially adapted for foods or foodstuffs by treatment with chemicals in the form of liquids or solids
- A23L3/3463—Organic compounds; Microorganisms; Enzymes
- A23L3/3481—Organic compounds containing oxygen
- A23L3/3508—Organic compounds containing oxygen containing carboxyl groups
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A23—FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS; TREATMENT THEREOF, NOT COVERED BY OTHER CLASSES
- A23L—FOODS, FOODSTUFFS, OR NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASSES A21D OR A23B-A23J; THEIR PREPARATION OR TREATMENT, e.g. COOKING, MODIFICATION OF NUTRITIVE QUALITIES, PHYSICAL TREATMENT; PRESERVATION OF FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS, IN GENERAL
- A23L3/00—Preservation of foods or foodstuffs, in general, e.g. pasteurising, sterilising, specially adapted for foods or foodstuffs
- A23L3/34—Preservation of foods or foodstuffs, in general, e.g. pasteurising, sterilising, specially adapted for foods or foodstuffs by treatment with chemicals
- A23L3/3454—Preservation of foods or foodstuffs, in general, e.g. pasteurising, sterilising, specially adapted for foods or foodstuffs by treatment with chemicals in the form of liquids or solids
- A23L3/3463—Organic compounds; Microorganisms; Enzymes
- A23L3/3526—Organic compounds containing nitrogen
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A23—FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS; TREATMENT THEREOF, NOT COVERED BY OTHER CLASSES
- A23L—FOODS, FOODSTUFFS, OR NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASSES A21D OR A23B-A23J; THEIR PREPARATION OR TREATMENT, e.g. COOKING, MODIFICATION OF NUTRITIVE QUALITIES, PHYSICAL TREATMENT; PRESERVATION OF FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS, IN GENERAL
- A23L3/00—Preservation of foods or foodstuffs, in general, e.g. pasteurising, sterilising, specially adapted for foods or foodstuffs
- A23L3/34—Preservation of foods or foodstuffs, in general, e.g. pasteurising, sterilising, specially adapted for foods or foodstuffs by treatment with chemicals
- A23L3/3454—Preservation of foods or foodstuffs, in general, e.g. pasteurising, sterilising, specially adapted for foods or foodstuffs by treatment with chemicals in the form of liquids or solids
- A23L3/3463—Organic compounds; Microorganisms; Enzymes
- A23L3/3535—Organic compounds containing sulfur
Landscapes
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Polymers & Plastics (AREA)
- General Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Food Science & Technology (AREA)
- Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
- Wood Science & Technology (AREA)
- Zoology (AREA)
- Microbiology (AREA)
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Nutrition Science (AREA)
- Inorganic Chemistry (AREA)
- Storage Of Fruits Or Vegetables (AREA)
- Coloring Foods And Improving Nutritive Qualities (AREA)
- Preparation Of Fruits And Vegetables (AREA)
- Medicines Containing Plant Substances (AREA)
Abstract
A method for inhibiting the discoloration of processed fresh broccoli, comprising handling the broccoli for fresh consumption and exposing that processed fresh broccoli to a solution of sodium citrate, ascorbic acid, sodium acid pyrophosphate, and L-cysteine hydrochloride, in weight percentage ratios ranging from about 59.6 to about 72 parts sodium citrate, to about 14.4 to about 17.9 parts ascorbic acid, to about 12.6 to about 7.6 parts sodium acid pyrophosphate, and to about 6 to about 9.9 parts L-cysteine hydrochloride, and the remainder water until the sodium citrate, ascorbic acid, sodium acid pyrophosphate, and L-cysteine hydrochloride have been diluted to a combined weight percentage concentration of from about 0.25 to at least about 2.0 weight percent of the solution, the exposing including contacting the processed fresh broccoli with the solution for a time sufficient such that the contacting inhibits the discoloration of the processed fresh broccoli when the processed fresh broccoli is exposed to an atmosphere that would result in the discoloration of the processed fresh broccoli in the absence of the contacting.
Description
~ WO96/10920 2 2 ~ ~ 8 8 ~ PCT~S95Jl3~46 METHODS FOR IN~JIBITING THE DISCOLORATION
OF PROCESSED BROCCOLI
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
.
This invention relates generally to methods for inhibiting the discoloration of mechanically and physiologically injured fruits and vegetables, and relates more particularly to methods for inhibiting the discoloration of minimally processed fresh broccoli.
When many fruits (i.e., apples, pears, peaches, avocados, and bananas) and vegetables (i.e., beans, potatoes, mushrooms and many root crops) are bruised, or are cut, peeled, or processed in any other way that causes tissue injury, a black or brown discoloration appears at the situs of the tissue injury within a few minutes due to enzymes of the melanosis reaction. This discoloration problem has been the subject of much study, because of its obvious economic importance to the food processing industry.
Of the estimated 3 billion pounds of broccoli that are marketed in the United States each year, more than half are processed soon after harvest and are shipped ready for consumption. Whole, unprocessed heads of broccoli may be stored under refrigeration for many weeks without significant deterioration. However, processed fresh broccoli that has been in refrigerated storage for just a week or two will become pale green, the florets will begin to turn yellow, and the cut stem will begin to brown. This latter form of broccoli discoloration is referred to as cut stem discoloration.
To date, the discoloration of processed fresh broccoli has been controlled primarily by packing and shipping broccoli in ice. Many broccoli processors and shippers place processed fresh broccoli in water-resistant shipping boxes 2 ~ ~ ~ 8 8 0 PCT~S95/13046 and then cover the broccoli with ice. The costs of water-resistant boxes and ice, as well as the additional shipping weight added by tlle ice packaging, results in significant added costs for transporting broccoli from the 5 field to market.
The rate at which the discoloration of processed fresh broccoli occurs is also a function of the physiological condition of the broccoli prior to harvesting and processing, the chemical treatments that are applied to the broccoli 10 during processing, if any, and the humidity levels and the temperatures at which the processed fresh broccoli is stored. For example, variations in the physiology of the whole, unprocessed heads of broccoli caused by different degrees of environmental stress during the growing season, 15 such as heat stress and drought stress, will result in variations in the onset of discoloration when the broccoli is processed, and stored under a given set of storage conditions. Broccoli that is grown in poorly irrigated fields tends to form discoloration more rapidly after 20 processing than does broccoli that is grown in well irrigated fields, for example.
Discoloration is unsightly and unappetizing. As a result, consumers invariable associate discoloration with distastefully old broccoli, even though the taste and 25 nutritional value of the processed fresh broccoli are not affected by the appearance of discoloration. Therefore, the appearance of discoloration leads to significant commercial waste if the processed fresh broccoli is pulled from the retail shelf before taste and nutrition are affected.
WO96/10920 ~ 8 8 0 PCT~S95/13046 SUMMARY OF TllE INVENTION
.
It is a principal objective of the present invention to provide new methods for treating harvested and processed fresh broccoli that effectively inhibit the onset of 5 discoloration for a reasonably long period of time consistent witll commercial requirements. ~he new methods of the present invention utilize safe and natural chemicals that are effective in such low concentrations that they do not impart an off-color or taste to the processed fresh broccoli to 10 which they are applied.
One embodiment of the present invention is a method for inhibiting the discoloration of processed ~resll broccoli, comprising handling the broccoli for fresh consumption and exposing that processed fresh broccoli to a solution of sodium citrate, ascorbic acid, sodium acid pyrophosphate, and L-cysteine hydrochloride, in weight percentage ratios ranging from about 59.6 to about 72 parts sodium citrate, to about 14.4 to about 17.9 parts ascorbic acid, to about 12.6 to a~out 7.6 parts sodium acid pyrophosphate, and to about 6 to 20 about 9.9 parts L-cysteine hydrochloride, and the remainder water until the sodium citrate, ascorbic acid, sodium acid pyrophosphate, and L-cysteine hydrochloride have been diluted to a combined weight percentage concentration of from about 0.25 to at least about 2.0 weight percent of the solution, the exposing including contacting the processed fresll broccoli with the solution for a time sufficient such that the contacting inhibits tle discoloration of the processed fresh broccoli when the processed fresh broccoli is expos~-l to an atmosphere that would result in the discoloration of 30 the processed fresh broccoli in the absence of the contacting.
- Another embodiment of the present invention is the rnethod for inhibiting the discoloration of processed fresh broccoli set forth in the immediately preceding paragraph, and further comprising treating the processed fresh broccoli prior to, or WO96/10920 2 ~ 0 ~ 8 8 0 PCT~S95/13046 after, the exposing step with chlorirlated water having a chlorine concentration of from about 50 ppm to less than about 150 ppm.
Related objects and advantages of the methods of the present invention will be evident from the following detailed description.
-WO96/10920 ~ ~ ~ 1 8 8 0 PCT~S95J13~46 DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
For the purposes of promoting an understanding of theprinciDles of the invention, reference will now be made to the pre~erred embodiments in the description and Examples 5 that follow, and specific language will be used to describe t~e same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated embodiments, and such further applications of the principles 10 of the invention as described therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.
The broccoli utilized in the following examples were acquired directly f~om broccoli processors in California 15 within days of harvest. The broccoli was shipped from the California processors via overnight express in coolers packed with ice to a laboratory facility where the tests set forth in the following Examples were conducted.
Example 1 Processed fresh broccoli florets harvested by a central California processing plant were transported in ice to a California laboratory facility where the stems were trimmed and the florets were treated in the following manner 6 days after harvest.
A control group of the broccoli florets weighing approximately 5.0 pounds was selected. The control group was then bagged in a nQn-perforated, breathable film, and the bag was sealed and placed in refrigerated storage at about 36-40F.
A formulation of about 72.0% by weight food grade sodium citrate, about 14.4% by weight ascorbic acid, about 7.6% by weight sodium acid pyrophosphate and about 6.0% by weight WO96/10920 2 2 ~ ~ 8 8 0 PCT~S95113046 ~
L-cysteine hydrochloride was dissolved in 59F tap water (10 r ppm chlorine) to a final test solution concentration of about 1.0% by weight witll a final pH of about 5.2. A test group of the same broccoli florets, also weighing approximately 5 5 pounds, was dipped for 1 minute in a 59F tap water bath containing 50 ppm chlorine to a~proximate the treatment utilized by some California processing plants for processed fresh broccoli florets. The test group was then dipped in the chilled 1.0% by weight test solution for about 1 minute.
10 The test group was then bagged in the same non-perforated film, and the bag was sealed and placed in refrigerated storage at about 36-40F.
After 6 days, the control group and the test group were removed from storage and were examined for discoloration.
15 The control group had a bad odor and the cut stems were very brown. The test group, by contrast, was still moist, had good color and taste, and had a sweet odor. The test group was returned to refrigerated storage, and was examined again after 1~ days of refrigerated storage. Again, the test group 20 was still moist, had good color and taste, and exhibited no cut stem discoloration.
Example 2 Processed fresh broccoli florets harvested by a central California processing plant were hydrocooled (water at <
25 37F, 50 ppm Cl), bagged, and packed in ice by the processor. They were then transported to a California laboratory facility where tlley were held overnigh~ at 3~
The stems were trimmed and the florets were treated in the following manner the next day.
A control grollp of florets, weighing approximately 1.0 pound, was sprayed with 67~F tap water (10 ppm chlorine) for about 1.5 minutes and was then bagged in tlle processor's standard perforated CVP film and placed in refrigerated ~ WO96/10920 2 2 ~ ~ 8 8 0 PCT~S9~/13046 storage at about 38F.
A first formulation of about 72.0% by weight food grade sodium citrate, about 14.4% by weight ascorbic acid, about 7.6% by weight sodium acid pyrophosphate and about 6.0% by 5 weight L-cysteine hydrochloride was diluted with 67F tap water to a final first test solution concentration of about 2.0% by weight with a final pH of about 5.7. A 1.0 pound first test group of the same florets was then sprayed with the 2.0% by weight first test solution for about 1.5 10 minutes. The first test group was then bagged in the same type CVP film and placed in refrigerated storage at about A second formulation of about 59.6% by weight sodium citrate, about 17.9~ by weight ascorbic acid, about 12.6% by 15 weight sodium acid pyrophosphate and about 9.9~O by weight L-cysteine hydrochloride was dissolved in 67F tap water to a final second test solution concentration of about 1.2~ by weight with a final pH of about 5.7. A 1.0 pound second test group of the same florets was then sprayed with the 1.2% by 20 weight solution for about 1.5 minutes. The second test group was then packaged in the same type CVP film and placed in refrigerated storage at about 38F.
For the first 17 days, the control group and test group fIorets were stored at about 38F. The control group and test group florets were then transferred to storage at about 44F, which is a more realistic storage temperature to replicate real market storage conditions.
After 11 additional days at about 44F, the control group and the first and second test group florets were removed from storage and were examined for discoloration. The control group had begun to turn brown at the cut ends. The first and - second test groups, by contrast, were still moist, had good color and taste, and exhibited no cut stem discoloration.
The second test group was returned to refrigerated storage, and was e~amined again 3 days later. After 3 additional WO96/10920 ~ 8 8 0 PCT~S95/13046 days, the second test group was still moist, with good color and taste, and with no cut stem discoloration.
Example 3 Freshly harvested broccoli was processed by a central 5 California processing plant, the fresh florets were packed in ice and were then transported to a California laboratory facility where the stems were trimmed and the florets were treated in the following manner 6 days after harvest.
A control group of the florets, weighing about 1 pound, 10 was bagged in the processor's perforated film and placed in refrigerated storage at about 40F.
A formulation of about 72.0% by weight food grade sodium citrate, about 14.4% by weight ascorbic acid, about 7. 6% by weight sodium acid pyrophosphate and about 6.0% by weight 15 L-cysteine hydrochloride was dissolved in tap water to a final test solution concentration of about 0.5% by weight with a final pH of about 5.9. A first test group of florets was dipped for about 1 minute in a 70~ tap water bath containing 50 ppm chlorine to approximate the present Zo production treatment utilized by some California processing plants for processed fresh broccoli florets, and then was dipped for about 1 minute in the 0.5% by weight test solution at 70F, and then placed in vented bags and stored at 40F.
A second test group of florets was dipped for about 1 minute in the 0.5% by weight test solution at 70F, and then was dipped for about 1 minute in a 70F water both containing 50 ppm chlorine (pH 5.9), and then placed in vented bags and stored at 40F.
After 15 days, the control group had a bad odor and the cut stems were brown. The test groups were still moist, had good color and taste after 15 days, and even after 22 days.
The best test group was the first group in which the florets 6/10920 ~ ~ 0 ~ 8 8 ~ PCT~S95~13046 that had been dipped in a 70F water solution containing 50 ppm chlorine before being treated with the 0.5% ~y weight test solution.
Example 4 Freshly harvested broccoli was processed by a central California processing plant, the fresh florets were hydrocooled (water at < 37F, 150 ppm Cl), were packed in ice, and were then transported to a California laboratory facility where the stems were trimmed and the florets were 10 treated in the following manner.
A control group of the florets, weighing about 1 pound, was bagged in standard, perforated Cvp film, and was placed in storage at about 35F.
A formulation of 72.0% by weight food grade sodium 15 citrate, 14.4% by weight ascorbic acid, 7.6% by weight sodium acid pyrophosphate and 6.0% by weight L-cysteine hydrochloride was dissolved in 60F tap water to a final test solution concentration of about 1.0% by weight with a final pll of about 5.5. A test group of florets was then sprayed 20 with the 1.0% by weight test solution at a rate of about 4 ounces per pound of florets, and was then placed in the same standard, perforated CVP film, and was placed in storage at about 35F.
After being in storage at about 35F for 24 hours, the 25 control and test groups were stored at about 40-42F, which for the next 48 hour period was periodically raised to 50-60F to mimic temperature fluctuations in the normal f commercial broccoli distribution channels.
After 21 days of total storage, the control group had 30 yellowed and the cut stems were brown. The test group was still green with no brown discoloration of the cut stems.
WO96/10920 2 ~ O ~ 8 8 0 PCT~Sg~/13046 ~
Example 5 Freshly harvested broccoli was processed by a central California processing plant, the fresh florets were hydrocooled (water at c 37F, 50 ppm Cl ), were packed in ice, and were then transported to a California laboratory facility where the stems were trimmed and the florets were treated in the following manner.
A control group of the florets weighing approximately 22 pounds was placed in shallow boxes, covered with a plastic liner, and then placed in refrigerated storage at about 36F.
A formulation of about 72.0% by weight food grade sodium citrate, about 14.4% by weiyht ascorbic acid, about 7.6% by weight sodium acid pyrophosphate and about about 6.0% by weight L-cysteine hydrochloride was dissolved in 60F tap water to a final test solution concentration of about 2.0% by weight with a final p~l of about 5.2. A test group composed of 22 pounds of the same florets was then sprayed 4 times for 20 seconds each with the 2.0% by weight test solution. The test group was then placed in the same shallow boxes, covered with the same plastic liner, and placed in refrigerated storage at about 36F.
After 28 days, the control group and the test group were examined for discoloration. The control group showed siynificant browning of the cut stems and loss of green color. The test group, by contrast, was still moist, had good color, and had no cut stem discoloration.
~xam~le 6 Freshly harvested broccoli crowns were processed by a central California processing plant, were hydrocooled (water at < 37F, 50 ppm Cl~, were packed in ice, and were then transported to a California laboratory facility where the WO96/10920 ~ 8 ~ PCT~S95J13~46 stems were trimmed and the crowns were treated in the following manner.
A control group o~ the fresh crowns weighting approximately 20 pounds was placed in the processor's 5 standard HV box, covered with non-perforated film, and placed in refrigerated storage at about 34F.
A formulation of about 72.0% by weight food grade sodium citrate, about 14~4% by weight ascorbic acid, about 7.6~ by weight sodium acid pyrophosphate, and about 6.0% by weight 10 L-cysteine hydrochloride was dissolved in 60F tap water to a final test solution concentration of about 1.0% by weight. A
20 pound test group of the crowns was then sprayed with one pint of the 1.0% by weight test solution. The test group was then placed in the same type HV box, covered with the same 15 non-perforated film, and placed in refrigerated storage at about 34F.
After 7 weeks, the control group and the test group were examined for discoloration. The control group had significant discoloration. The test group, by contrast, was still moist, had good color and taste, and was within commercially acceptable limits.
Example 7 Processed fresh broccoli florets harvested by a central California processing plant was hydrocooled (water at c 37F, 50 ppm Cl), bagged, and packed in ice by the processor. They were then transported to a California laboratory facility where they were held overnight at 38F. The next day, th~
,~ stems were trimmed and the florets were treated in the following manner.
A control group of about 1 pound of florets was sprayed with 67F tap water (10 ppm chlorine) for about 1.5 minutes, was then bagged in a breathable, non-perforated film, and was then placed in refrigerated storage at about 40F.
WO96/10920 ~ c 0 ~ 8 8 ~ PCT~S95/13046 A test solution of about 59.6% by weight food grade sodium citrate, about 17.9% by weight ascorbic acid, about 9.9% by weight sodium acid pyrophosphate and about 12.6% by weight L-cysteine hydrochloride was dissolved in tap water to a final solution concentration of about l.2% by weight. A
test group of about l pound of t11e same florets was then sprayed for about l.5 minutes with the l.2% by weight test solution. The test group was then bagged in the same film and placed in refrigerated storage at about 40F.
After 21 days, the control group and the test group florets were removed from storage and were examined for discoloration. The control group had begun to turn brown at the cut stems and the florets were dull green. The test group, by contrast, was still moist, had good color, and exhibited no browning at the cut stems.
The solutions utilized in the methods of the present invention may be contacted with processed fresh broccoli crowns or florets in the conventional ways, such as by dipping, spraying or showering, including contacting the broccoli with the solutions in the conventional hydrocoolers utili~ed by broccoli processors, as set forth in the Examples, above. Spraying has been the preferred method in testing completed to date.
While the invention has been described in the Examples and descriptions, above, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only the preferred embodiments have been described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the invention are desired to be protected. In work completed to date, for example, it has been noted that variations in broccoli physiology caused by different environmental stresses during the growing period, ~,WO96/10920~- 22o~a~-0 ~ ,o~ 46 s~cll as different degrees Pf elevated heat stréss and drought stress, will show higller leYels of dehydration at different storage conditions, which may require slight modifications to ~.
the aqueous solutions utilized in the methods of the present 5 invention to prevent the onset of discoloration. For exa~nple, broccoli that was grown in poorly irrigated fields tend to dehydrate more rapidly than broccoli that was grown in well irrigated fields.
Variations in the physiologies Qf broccoli crowns f rom 10 different growinq areas,~ and differences in the crown and drougllt stresses experienced by the broccoli as a whole prior to processing will rec~uire slight modifications it the met~lods set forth in the foregoing Examples to most efficiently inhibit the onset of discoloration. For example, 1~ ill testing completed to date, formulations composed o about 72% by weight food grade sodium citrate, about 14.~% by weight ascorbic acid, about 7 . 6% weight sodium acid pyrophosphate, and about 6 . 0% by weight L-cysteine hydrochloride have been dissolved in tap water to a final 20 concentration as low as about 0 . 25% by weig~lt Qf the solution, have been c~lilled, and have been contacted ~ith processed fresh broccoli florets in conventional ways, and have been effective in delaying the onset of discoloration of processed fresll broccoli that llad not been severely stressed 2~ envi ronmental ly .
OF PROCESSED BROCCOLI
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
.
This invention relates generally to methods for inhibiting the discoloration of mechanically and physiologically injured fruits and vegetables, and relates more particularly to methods for inhibiting the discoloration of minimally processed fresh broccoli.
When many fruits (i.e., apples, pears, peaches, avocados, and bananas) and vegetables (i.e., beans, potatoes, mushrooms and many root crops) are bruised, or are cut, peeled, or processed in any other way that causes tissue injury, a black or brown discoloration appears at the situs of the tissue injury within a few minutes due to enzymes of the melanosis reaction. This discoloration problem has been the subject of much study, because of its obvious economic importance to the food processing industry.
Of the estimated 3 billion pounds of broccoli that are marketed in the United States each year, more than half are processed soon after harvest and are shipped ready for consumption. Whole, unprocessed heads of broccoli may be stored under refrigeration for many weeks without significant deterioration. However, processed fresh broccoli that has been in refrigerated storage for just a week or two will become pale green, the florets will begin to turn yellow, and the cut stem will begin to brown. This latter form of broccoli discoloration is referred to as cut stem discoloration.
To date, the discoloration of processed fresh broccoli has been controlled primarily by packing and shipping broccoli in ice. Many broccoli processors and shippers place processed fresh broccoli in water-resistant shipping boxes 2 ~ ~ ~ 8 8 0 PCT~S95/13046 and then cover the broccoli with ice. The costs of water-resistant boxes and ice, as well as the additional shipping weight added by tlle ice packaging, results in significant added costs for transporting broccoli from the 5 field to market.
The rate at which the discoloration of processed fresh broccoli occurs is also a function of the physiological condition of the broccoli prior to harvesting and processing, the chemical treatments that are applied to the broccoli 10 during processing, if any, and the humidity levels and the temperatures at which the processed fresh broccoli is stored. For example, variations in the physiology of the whole, unprocessed heads of broccoli caused by different degrees of environmental stress during the growing season, 15 such as heat stress and drought stress, will result in variations in the onset of discoloration when the broccoli is processed, and stored under a given set of storage conditions. Broccoli that is grown in poorly irrigated fields tends to form discoloration more rapidly after 20 processing than does broccoli that is grown in well irrigated fields, for example.
Discoloration is unsightly and unappetizing. As a result, consumers invariable associate discoloration with distastefully old broccoli, even though the taste and 25 nutritional value of the processed fresh broccoli are not affected by the appearance of discoloration. Therefore, the appearance of discoloration leads to significant commercial waste if the processed fresh broccoli is pulled from the retail shelf before taste and nutrition are affected.
WO96/10920 ~ 8 8 0 PCT~S95/13046 SUMMARY OF TllE INVENTION
.
It is a principal objective of the present invention to provide new methods for treating harvested and processed fresh broccoli that effectively inhibit the onset of 5 discoloration for a reasonably long period of time consistent witll commercial requirements. ~he new methods of the present invention utilize safe and natural chemicals that are effective in such low concentrations that they do not impart an off-color or taste to the processed fresh broccoli to 10 which they are applied.
One embodiment of the present invention is a method for inhibiting the discoloration of processed ~resll broccoli, comprising handling the broccoli for fresh consumption and exposing that processed fresh broccoli to a solution of sodium citrate, ascorbic acid, sodium acid pyrophosphate, and L-cysteine hydrochloride, in weight percentage ratios ranging from about 59.6 to about 72 parts sodium citrate, to about 14.4 to about 17.9 parts ascorbic acid, to about 12.6 to a~out 7.6 parts sodium acid pyrophosphate, and to about 6 to 20 about 9.9 parts L-cysteine hydrochloride, and the remainder water until the sodium citrate, ascorbic acid, sodium acid pyrophosphate, and L-cysteine hydrochloride have been diluted to a combined weight percentage concentration of from about 0.25 to at least about 2.0 weight percent of the solution, the exposing including contacting the processed fresll broccoli with the solution for a time sufficient such that the contacting inhibits tle discoloration of the processed fresh broccoli when the processed fresh broccoli is expos~-l to an atmosphere that would result in the discoloration of 30 the processed fresh broccoli in the absence of the contacting.
- Another embodiment of the present invention is the rnethod for inhibiting the discoloration of processed fresh broccoli set forth in the immediately preceding paragraph, and further comprising treating the processed fresh broccoli prior to, or WO96/10920 2 ~ 0 ~ 8 8 0 PCT~S95/13046 after, the exposing step with chlorirlated water having a chlorine concentration of from about 50 ppm to less than about 150 ppm.
Related objects and advantages of the methods of the present invention will be evident from the following detailed description.
-WO96/10920 ~ ~ ~ 1 8 8 0 PCT~S95J13~46 DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
For the purposes of promoting an understanding of theprinciDles of the invention, reference will now be made to the pre~erred embodiments in the description and Examples 5 that follow, and specific language will be used to describe t~e same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated embodiments, and such further applications of the principles 10 of the invention as described therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.
The broccoli utilized in the following examples were acquired directly f~om broccoli processors in California 15 within days of harvest. The broccoli was shipped from the California processors via overnight express in coolers packed with ice to a laboratory facility where the tests set forth in the following Examples were conducted.
Example 1 Processed fresh broccoli florets harvested by a central California processing plant were transported in ice to a California laboratory facility where the stems were trimmed and the florets were treated in the following manner 6 days after harvest.
A control group of the broccoli florets weighing approximately 5.0 pounds was selected. The control group was then bagged in a nQn-perforated, breathable film, and the bag was sealed and placed in refrigerated storage at about 36-40F.
A formulation of about 72.0% by weight food grade sodium citrate, about 14.4% by weight ascorbic acid, about 7.6% by weight sodium acid pyrophosphate and about 6.0% by weight WO96/10920 2 2 ~ ~ 8 8 0 PCT~S95113046 ~
L-cysteine hydrochloride was dissolved in 59F tap water (10 r ppm chlorine) to a final test solution concentration of about 1.0% by weight witll a final pH of about 5.2. A test group of the same broccoli florets, also weighing approximately 5 5 pounds, was dipped for 1 minute in a 59F tap water bath containing 50 ppm chlorine to a~proximate the treatment utilized by some California processing plants for processed fresh broccoli florets. The test group was then dipped in the chilled 1.0% by weight test solution for about 1 minute.
10 The test group was then bagged in the same non-perforated film, and the bag was sealed and placed in refrigerated storage at about 36-40F.
After 6 days, the control group and the test group were removed from storage and were examined for discoloration.
15 The control group had a bad odor and the cut stems were very brown. The test group, by contrast, was still moist, had good color and taste, and had a sweet odor. The test group was returned to refrigerated storage, and was examined again after 1~ days of refrigerated storage. Again, the test group 20 was still moist, had good color and taste, and exhibited no cut stem discoloration.
Example 2 Processed fresh broccoli florets harvested by a central California processing plant were hydrocooled (water at <
25 37F, 50 ppm Cl), bagged, and packed in ice by the processor. They were then transported to a California laboratory facility where tlley were held overnigh~ at 3~
The stems were trimmed and the florets were treated in the following manner the next day.
A control grollp of florets, weighing approximately 1.0 pound, was sprayed with 67~F tap water (10 ppm chlorine) for about 1.5 minutes and was then bagged in tlle processor's standard perforated CVP film and placed in refrigerated ~ WO96/10920 2 2 ~ ~ 8 8 0 PCT~S9~/13046 storage at about 38F.
A first formulation of about 72.0% by weight food grade sodium citrate, about 14.4% by weight ascorbic acid, about 7.6% by weight sodium acid pyrophosphate and about 6.0% by 5 weight L-cysteine hydrochloride was diluted with 67F tap water to a final first test solution concentration of about 2.0% by weight with a final pH of about 5.7. A 1.0 pound first test group of the same florets was then sprayed with the 2.0% by weight first test solution for about 1.5 10 minutes. The first test group was then bagged in the same type CVP film and placed in refrigerated storage at about A second formulation of about 59.6% by weight sodium citrate, about 17.9~ by weight ascorbic acid, about 12.6% by 15 weight sodium acid pyrophosphate and about 9.9~O by weight L-cysteine hydrochloride was dissolved in 67F tap water to a final second test solution concentration of about 1.2~ by weight with a final pH of about 5.7. A 1.0 pound second test group of the same florets was then sprayed with the 1.2% by 20 weight solution for about 1.5 minutes. The second test group was then packaged in the same type CVP film and placed in refrigerated storage at about 38F.
For the first 17 days, the control group and test group fIorets were stored at about 38F. The control group and test group florets were then transferred to storage at about 44F, which is a more realistic storage temperature to replicate real market storage conditions.
After 11 additional days at about 44F, the control group and the first and second test group florets were removed from storage and were examined for discoloration. The control group had begun to turn brown at the cut ends. The first and - second test groups, by contrast, were still moist, had good color and taste, and exhibited no cut stem discoloration.
The second test group was returned to refrigerated storage, and was e~amined again 3 days later. After 3 additional WO96/10920 ~ 8 8 0 PCT~S95/13046 days, the second test group was still moist, with good color and taste, and with no cut stem discoloration.
Example 3 Freshly harvested broccoli was processed by a central 5 California processing plant, the fresh florets were packed in ice and were then transported to a California laboratory facility where the stems were trimmed and the florets were treated in the following manner 6 days after harvest.
A control group of the florets, weighing about 1 pound, 10 was bagged in the processor's perforated film and placed in refrigerated storage at about 40F.
A formulation of about 72.0% by weight food grade sodium citrate, about 14.4% by weight ascorbic acid, about 7. 6% by weight sodium acid pyrophosphate and about 6.0% by weight 15 L-cysteine hydrochloride was dissolved in tap water to a final test solution concentration of about 0.5% by weight with a final pH of about 5.9. A first test group of florets was dipped for about 1 minute in a 70~ tap water bath containing 50 ppm chlorine to approximate the present Zo production treatment utilized by some California processing plants for processed fresh broccoli florets, and then was dipped for about 1 minute in the 0.5% by weight test solution at 70F, and then placed in vented bags and stored at 40F.
A second test group of florets was dipped for about 1 minute in the 0.5% by weight test solution at 70F, and then was dipped for about 1 minute in a 70F water both containing 50 ppm chlorine (pH 5.9), and then placed in vented bags and stored at 40F.
After 15 days, the control group had a bad odor and the cut stems were brown. The test groups were still moist, had good color and taste after 15 days, and even after 22 days.
The best test group was the first group in which the florets 6/10920 ~ ~ 0 ~ 8 8 ~ PCT~S95~13046 that had been dipped in a 70F water solution containing 50 ppm chlorine before being treated with the 0.5% ~y weight test solution.
Example 4 Freshly harvested broccoli was processed by a central California processing plant, the fresh florets were hydrocooled (water at < 37F, 150 ppm Cl), were packed in ice, and were then transported to a California laboratory facility where the stems were trimmed and the florets were 10 treated in the following manner.
A control group of the florets, weighing about 1 pound, was bagged in standard, perforated Cvp film, and was placed in storage at about 35F.
A formulation of 72.0% by weight food grade sodium 15 citrate, 14.4% by weight ascorbic acid, 7.6% by weight sodium acid pyrophosphate and 6.0% by weight L-cysteine hydrochloride was dissolved in 60F tap water to a final test solution concentration of about 1.0% by weight with a final pll of about 5.5. A test group of florets was then sprayed 20 with the 1.0% by weight test solution at a rate of about 4 ounces per pound of florets, and was then placed in the same standard, perforated CVP film, and was placed in storage at about 35F.
After being in storage at about 35F for 24 hours, the 25 control and test groups were stored at about 40-42F, which for the next 48 hour period was periodically raised to 50-60F to mimic temperature fluctuations in the normal f commercial broccoli distribution channels.
After 21 days of total storage, the control group had 30 yellowed and the cut stems were brown. The test group was still green with no brown discoloration of the cut stems.
WO96/10920 2 ~ O ~ 8 8 0 PCT~Sg~/13046 ~
Example 5 Freshly harvested broccoli was processed by a central California processing plant, the fresh florets were hydrocooled (water at c 37F, 50 ppm Cl ), were packed in ice, and were then transported to a California laboratory facility where the stems were trimmed and the florets were treated in the following manner.
A control group of the florets weighing approximately 22 pounds was placed in shallow boxes, covered with a plastic liner, and then placed in refrigerated storage at about 36F.
A formulation of about 72.0% by weight food grade sodium citrate, about 14.4% by weiyht ascorbic acid, about 7.6% by weight sodium acid pyrophosphate and about about 6.0% by weight L-cysteine hydrochloride was dissolved in 60F tap water to a final test solution concentration of about 2.0% by weight with a final p~l of about 5.2. A test group composed of 22 pounds of the same florets was then sprayed 4 times for 20 seconds each with the 2.0% by weight test solution. The test group was then placed in the same shallow boxes, covered with the same plastic liner, and placed in refrigerated storage at about 36F.
After 28 days, the control group and the test group were examined for discoloration. The control group showed siynificant browning of the cut stems and loss of green color. The test group, by contrast, was still moist, had good color, and had no cut stem discoloration.
~xam~le 6 Freshly harvested broccoli crowns were processed by a central California processing plant, were hydrocooled (water at < 37F, 50 ppm Cl~, were packed in ice, and were then transported to a California laboratory facility where the WO96/10920 ~ 8 ~ PCT~S95J13~46 stems were trimmed and the crowns were treated in the following manner.
A control group o~ the fresh crowns weighting approximately 20 pounds was placed in the processor's 5 standard HV box, covered with non-perforated film, and placed in refrigerated storage at about 34F.
A formulation of about 72.0% by weight food grade sodium citrate, about 14~4% by weight ascorbic acid, about 7.6~ by weight sodium acid pyrophosphate, and about 6.0% by weight 10 L-cysteine hydrochloride was dissolved in 60F tap water to a final test solution concentration of about 1.0% by weight. A
20 pound test group of the crowns was then sprayed with one pint of the 1.0% by weight test solution. The test group was then placed in the same type HV box, covered with the same 15 non-perforated film, and placed in refrigerated storage at about 34F.
After 7 weeks, the control group and the test group were examined for discoloration. The control group had significant discoloration. The test group, by contrast, was still moist, had good color and taste, and was within commercially acceptable limits.
Example 7 Processed fresh broccoli florets harvested by a central California processing plant was hydrocooled (water at c 37F, 50 ppm Cl), bagged, and packed in ice by the processor. They were then transported to a California laboratory facility where they were held overnight at 38F. The next day, th~
,~ stems were trimmed and the florets were treated in the following manner.
A control group of about 1 pound of florets was sprayed with 67F tap water (10 ppm chlorine) for about 1.5 minutes, was then bagged in a breathable, non-perforated film, and was then placed in refrigerated storage at about 40F.
WO96/10920 ~ c 0 ~ 8 8 ~ PCT~S95/13046 A test solution of about 59.6% by weight food grade sodium citrate, about 17.9% by weight ascorbic acid, about 9.9% by weight sodium acid pyrophosphate and about 12.6% by weight L-cysteine hydrochloride was dissolved in tap water to a final solution concentration of about l.2% by weight. A
test group of about l pound of t11e same florets was then sprayed for about l.5 minutes with the l.2% by weight test solution. The test group was then bagged in the same film and placed in refrigerated storage at about 40F.
After 21 days, the control group and the test group florets were removed from storage and were examined for discoloration. The control group had begun to turn brown at the cut stems and the florets were dull green. The test group, by contrast, was still moist, had good color, and exhibited no browning at the cut stems.
The solutions utilized in the methods of the present invention may be contacted with processed fresh broccoli crowns or florets in the conventional ways, such as by dipping, spraying or showering, including contacting the broccoli with the solutions in the conventional hydrocoolers utili~ed by broccoli processors, as set forth in the Examples, above. Spraying has been the preferred method in testing completed to date.
While the invention has been described in the Examples and descriptions, above, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only the preferred embodiments have been described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the invention are desired to be protected. In work completed to date, for example, it has been noted that variations in broccoli physiology caused by different environmental stresses during the growing period, ~,WO96/10920~- 22o~a~-0 ~ ,o~ 46 s~cll as different degrees Pf elevated heat stréss and drought stress, will show higller leYels of dehydration at different storage conditions, which may require slight modifications to ~.
the aqueous solutions utilized in the methods of the present 5 invention to prevent the onset of discoloration. For exa~nple, broccoli that was grown in poorly irrigated fields tend to dehydrate more rapidly than broccoli that was grown in well irrigated fields.
Variations in the physiologies Qf broccoli crowns f rom 10 different growinq areas,~ and differences in the crown and drougllt stresses experienced by the broccoli as a whole prior to processing will rec~uire slight modifications it the met~lods set forth in the foregoing Examples to most efficiently inhibit the onset of discoloration. For example, 1~ ill testing completed to date, formulations composed o about 72% by weight food grade sodium citrate, about 14.~% by weight ascorbic acid, about 7 . 6% weight sodium acid pyrophosphate, and about 6 . 0% by weight L-cysteine hydrochloride have been dissolved in tap water to a final 20 concentration as low as about 0 . 25% by weig~lt Qf the solution, have been c~lilled, and have been contacted ~ith processed fresh broccoli florets in conventional ways, and have been effective in delaying the onset of discoloration of processed fresll broccoli that llad not been severely stressed 2~ envi ronmental ly .
Claims (8)
1. A method for inhibiting the discoloration of processed fresh broccoli, comprising handling the broccoli for fresh consumption and exposing that processed fresh broccoli to a solution of sodium citrate, ascorbic acid, sodium acid pyrophosphate, and L-cysteine hydrochloride, in weight percentage ratios rangin from about 59.6 to about 72 parts sodium citrate, to about 14.4 to about 17.9 parts ascorbic acid, to about 12.6 to about 7.6 parts sodium acid pyrophosphate, and to about 6 to about 9.9 parts L-cysteine hydrochloride, and the remainder water until the sodium citrate, ascorbic acid, sodium acid pyrophosphate, and L-cysteine hydrochloride have been diluted to a combined weight percentage concentration of from about 0.25 to at least about 2.0 weight percent of the solution, said exposing including contacting the processed fresh broccoli with the solution for a time sufficient such that said contacting inhibits the discoloration of the processed fresh broccoli when the processed fresh broccoli is exposed to an atmosphere that would result in the discoloration of the processed fresh broccoli in the absence of said contacting.
2. The method for inhibiting the discoloration of processed fresh broccoli of claim 1 wherein the solution of said exposing is of sodium citrate, ascorbic acid, sodium acid pyrophosphate, and L-cysteine hydrochloride in a weight percent ratio of about 72 parts sodium citrate, to about 14.4 parts ascorbic acid, to about 7.6 parts sodium acid pyrophosphate, to about 6 parts L-cysteine hydrochloride, and the remainder water until the sodium citrate, ascorbic acid, sodium acid pyrophosphate, and L-cysteine hydrochloride have been diluted to a combined weight percentage concentration of about 0.5 weight percent of the solution.
3. The method for inhibiting the discoloration of processed fresh broccoli of claim 1 wherein the solution of said exposing is of sodium citrate, ascorbic acid, sodium acid pyrophosphate, and L-cysteine hydrochloride in a weight percent ratio of about 72 parts sodium citrate, to about 14.4 parts ascorbic acid, to about 7.6 parts sodium acid pyrophosphate, to about 6 parts L-cysteine hydrochloride, and the remainder water until the sodium citrate, ascorbic acid, sodium acid pyrophosphate, and L-cysteine hydrochloride have been diluted to a combined weight percentage concentration of about 1.0 weight percent of the solution.
4. The method for inhibiting the discoloration of processed fresh broccoli of claim 1 wherein the solution of said exposing is of sodium citrate, ascorbic acid, sodium acid pyrophosphate, and L-cysteine hydrochloride in a weight percent ratio of about 72 parts sodium citrate, to about 14.4 parts ascorbic acid, to about 7.6 parts sodium acid pyrophosphate, to about 6 parts L-cysteine hydrochloride, and the remainder water until the sodium citrate, ascorbic acid, sodium acid pyrophosphate, and L-cysteine hydrochloride have been diluted to a combined weight percentage concentration of about 2.0 weight percent of the solution.
5. The method for inhibiting the discoloration of processed fresh broccoli of claim 1 wherein the solution of said exposing is of sodium citrate, ascorbic acid, sodium acid pyrophosphate, and L-cysteine hydrochloride in a weight percent ratio of about 59.6 parts sodium citrate, to about 17.9 parts ascorbic acid, to about 12.6 parts sodium acid pyrophosphate, to about 9.9 parts L-cysteine hydrochloride, and the remainder water until the sodium citrate, ascorbic acid, sodium acid pyrophosphate, and L-cysteine hydrochloride have been diluted to a combined weight percentage concentration of about 1.2 weight percent of the solution.
6. The method for inhibiting the discoloration of processed fresh broccoli of any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein the solution of said exposing is at a temperature of from about 60°F to about 70°F.
7. The method for inhibiting the discoloration of processed fresh broccoli of claim 6, and further comprising treating said processed fresh broccoli prior to said exposing with chlorinated water having a chlorine concentration of from about 50 ppm to less than about 150 ppm.
8. The method for inhibiting the discoloration of processed fresh broccoli of claim 6, and further comprising treating said processed fresh broccoli after said exposing with chlorinated water having a chlorine concentration of from about 50 ppm to less than about 150 ppm.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US31945094A | 1994-10-06 | 1994-10-06 | |
| US08/319,450 | 1994-10-06 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2201880A1 true CA2201880A1 (en) | 1996-04-18 |
Family
ID=23242286
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002201880A Abandoned CA2201880A1 (en) | 1994-10-06 | 1995-10-03 | Methods for inhibiting the discoloration of processed broccoli |
Country Status (10)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP0782394A4 (en) |
| JP (1) | JPH10509029A (en) |
| KR (1) | KR970705929A (en) |
| AU (1) | AU3953995A (en) |
| BR (1) | BR9509255A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2201880A1 (en) |
| HU (1) | HUT77877A (en) |
| MX (1) | MX9702474A (en) |
| NO (1) | NO971565L (en) |
| WO (1) | WO1996010920A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5858432A (en) * | 1994-10-06 | 1999-01-12 | Epl Technologies, Inc. | Methods for shipping broccoli without ice |
| US6054160A (en) * | 1997-07-14 | 2000-04-25 | Epl Technologies, Inc. | Compositions and processes for maintaining the fresh sensory attributes of freshly-cut apples |
| FR2780859B1 (en) * | 1998-07-13 | 2000-09-22 | Xeda International | PROCESS FOR TREATING FRUITS AND VEGETABLES |
| KR101278762B1 (en) * | 2010-12-21 | 2013-06-25 | 대한민국(농촌진흥청장) | A Composition For Browning Inhibition of Fruits and Vegetables And Method For Browning Inhibition Using The Same |
Family Cites Families (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3814820A (en) * | 1969-12-02 | 1974-06-04 | Salad Supreme Inc | Fruit and vegetable contact with chlorine containing biocides and discoloration inhibitors |
| US4937085A (en) * | 1986-08-15 | 1990-06-26 | Agra-Research, Inc. | Discoloration preventing food preservative and method |
| US4988523A (en) * | 1987-04-14 | 1991-01-29 | Liberty Enterprises, Inc. | Method and composition for preserving fresh peeled fruits and vegetables |
| US5126153A (en) * | 1988-05-13 | 1992-06-30 | Basic American Foods, Inc. | Compositions and methods for inhibiting browning of processed produce |
| US5316778A (en) * | 1991-11-29 | 1994-05-31 | Global Prepcorp | Method for processing leafy vegetables for extended storage |
-
1995
- 1995-10-03 HU HU9801475A patent/HUT77877A/en unknown
- 1995-10-03 MX MX9702474A patent/MX9702474A/en unknown
- 1995-10-03 JP JP8512697A patent/JPH10509029A/en active Pending
- 1995-10-03 BR BR9509255A patent/BR9509255A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1995-10-03 KR KR1019970702205A patent/KR970705929A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1995-10-03 CA CA002201880A patent/CA2201880A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 1995-10-03 EP EP95937416A patent/EP0782394A4/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1995-10-03 AU AU39539/95A patent/AU3953995A/en not_active Abandoned
- 1995-10-03 WO PCT/US1995/013046 patent/WO1996010920A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
-
1997
- 1997-04-04 NO NO971565A patent/NO971565L/en not_active Application Discontinuation
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| MX9702474A (en) | 1998-04-30 |
| KR970705929A (en) | 1997-11-03 |
| AU3953995A (en) | 1996-05-02 |
| JPH10509029A (en) | 1998-09-08 |
| HUT77877A (en) | 1998-09-28 |
| BR9509255A (en) | 1997-10-21 |
| NO971565L (en) | 1997-06-06 |
| EP0782394A1 (en) | 1997-07-09 |
| WO1996010920A1 (en) | 1996-04-18 |
| EP0782394A4 (en) | 1999-04-28 |
| NO971565D0 (en) | 1997-04-04 |
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| Akamine et al. | Delay in postharvest ripening and senescence of fruits | |
| Thomas et al. | Radiation preservation of foods of plant origin. III. Tropical fruits: bananas, mangoes, and papayas | |
| Woolf et al. | Low temperature conditioning treatments reduce external chilling injury of ‘Hass’ avocados | |
| Wu | An overview of postharvest biology and technology of fruits and vegetables | |
| WO1994012041A1 (en) | Preserving fruit and vegetables | |
| Workneh et al. | A review on the integrated agro-technology of papaya fruit | |
| Zainalabidin et al. | Optimum postharvest handling-effect of temperature on quality and shelf life of tropical fruits and vegetables. | |
| Oz | Combined effects of 1-methyl cyclopropene (1-MCP) and modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) on different ripening stages of persimmon fruit during storage | |
| US5346712A (en) | Methods for inhibiting white blush on processed carrots | |
| Joseph et al. | Post-harvest treatment of wild mango (Irvingia gabonensis) for improved shelf life | |
| Jany et al. | Effect of storage conditions on quality and shelf life of selected winter vegetables | |
| CA2201880A1 (en) | Methods for inhibiting the discoloration of processed broccoli | |
| Kamel et al. | The effect of propolis and sodium metabisulfite as postharvest treatments on pomegranate arils storage | |
| MXPA97002474A (en) | Methods to inhibit the discoloration of brecol proces | |
| İncedayi et al. | Effects of modified atmosphere packaging on the quality of minimally processed cauliflower | |
| Abubakar et al. | Effects of post-harvest hot water treatments on the fungi contamination, physiology and quality of rock melon fruit | |
| Bridgemohan et al. | Postharvest handling of indigenous and underutilized fruits in Trinidad and Tobago | |
| H Abd El-Aziz | Effect of hydro-cooling and immersion in salicylic acid and citric acid on quality and storability of guava fruits (Psidium guajava L.) | |
| Kassebi et al. | The effect of post-harvest storage on the weight of Golden Delicious apples | |
| US5858432A (en) | Methods for shipping broccoli without ice | |
| Crisosto et al. | Plum and fresh prune | |
| Gill | Effect of hexanal compositions on guava fruits | |
| Amodio et al. | Floral vegetables: Fresh-cut artichokes | |
| Ameer et al. | Emerging Packaging and Storage Technologies of Plum | |
| Misra et al. | Effect of different coating elements on shelf life of Indian olive (Elaeocarpus floribundus Blume) |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| FZDE | Dead |