JPH07132045A - Preservation of raw green vegetable food with chitosan solution - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To preserve a raw vegetable or fruit in a state close to natural growing environment. CONSTITUTION:A raw vegetable or fruit is coated with a dilute acidic solution containing chitosan (glucosamine, N-acetyl glucosamine or polyglucosamine) and preserved. This process enables the control of shipment and the stable supply of vegetable, etc.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

[Industrial application] Fresh fruits and vegetables often lose their value as a product before they enter the time-consuming market due to a large amount of cargo coming out at the time of harvest, etc. Can be reformed. Therefore, since shipping can be adjusted, the problem of manpower that temporarily expands can be alleviated, the price of the product can be stabilized, and the table of consumers can be kept busy for a long time.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art At present, it is left at room temperature, stored at low temperature, sealed with gas, coated with oils and fats, etc.

[0003]

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] The conventional method will be briefly described. (B) Low-temperature storage Not only is it costly to install equipment and costs, but it also leads to loss of retail stores because the product value drops very quickly when exposed to room temperature. Since it is expected to be stored for a long period of time, the unripe ones are often harvested and the taste deteriorates. (C) Gas sealing Since special equipment is required and equipment cost and gas are enclosed, the volume tends to increase. Since it is stored for a long period of time, the taste is lost due to harvesting unripe items. (D) Application of oils and fats Since the coating cuts off the supply of oxygen, it may not be able to be confirmed from the outside even if it rots, and consumers are worried if wax etc. adheres to the edible portion. This is especially true for fruits, where there is almost no regulation and anything (other than toxic substances) can be applied except for legal antiseptics and fungicides. There were the above problems.

[Constitution of the invention]

[0004]

[Means for Solving the Problems] A conventional problem is that a room temperature storage is possible by coating a dilute acidic solution containing chitosan (glucosamine, polyglucosamine, N-acetylglucosamine).

[0005]

[Function] When a storage solution (dilute acidic solution containing chitosan) is coated on fruits and vegetables, the portion in contact with the storage solution is sterilized by the effect of the diluted acidic solution, and forms a film when dried. This film is a film of chitosan, which is different from wax. This coating is permeable to oxygen and impermeable to water (making it difficult to evaporate). Further, the ethylene gas discharged as it ages is less likely to come out due to the film. Further, not only this film has a function as a so-called barrier that does not allow external bacteria to be directly contacted, but it also has a function of activating enzymes such as chitosanase on the surface of fruits and vegetables to protect them from bacteria and fungi. Therefore, the cells can be stored in a living state for a long time.

[0006]

[Examples] Citrus, persimmon, apple, pear, peach, strawberry, tomato, eggplant, cucumber, carrot, radish and various other types were carried out, but the main processing examples are shown below. “Processing example 1 mandarin oranges” It is generally said that mandarin oranges are well-ventilated and kept in a stable temperature at a storehouse or barn. The producers use storage boxes and containers, and in sealed boxes and plastic bags, mold and decay due to stuffiness are caused in a short time, and even if one is contaminated, it will be transmitted one after another,
It turns out that it is not good to touch it directly with human hands. Therefore, it was compared with untreated oranges and those treated with a storage solution (dilute acidic solution containing chitosan). This is a primitive method because it is thought that it is important for the user to actually deal with it by the method that is generally used.
Each of the kilogram and the polybag was stored at room temperature, 10 each. The plastic bag is transparent and easy to observe, but the inside of the cardboard box cannot be seen. Also, although it is from the bottom that it rots under the influence of ethylene gas, it cannot be observed daily because the conditions change when observed. Therefore, the cardboard box should be observed every two weeks, and the plastic bag should be 1
It was observed every other week. The results are summarized in Tables 1 and 2. "Processing Example 2 Persimmon" Persimmons were also processed in the same manner as mandarin oranges, using 5 pieces each in a 10-kg corrugated cardboard box and a plastic bag. "Processing example 3 Apples" Apples 1
I tried 5 pieces each in a 0 kilogram cardboard box and a plastic bag. The fruits and vegetables mentioned above are those purchased at the greengrocer's store.

[0007]

EFFECTS OF THE INVENTION Chitosan extracted from chitin forming the shell of crabs, shrimps and the like, which are biomass resources, plays an important role as a protective film. Chitosan is recognized as a thickening stabilizer for food additives and is safe,
The coating is permeable to oxygen and can be stored in near-natural conditions. As a result, the difference in storage period is clear as compared with the untreated one at room temperature. By coating the storage solution (dilute acidic solution containing chitosan), it can be stored at room temperature, and no special storage is required, thus reducing costs. It can drastically reduce the loss at retail stores. Aged things can be stored. The equipment is practical because it requires only simple mechanization.

[Short description of table]

[Table 1] State of fruits placed in a cardboard box

[Explanation of symbols]

 A = processed, B = unprocessed

[Table 2] State of fruits in plastic bags

[Explanation of Codes] A = processed, B = unprocessed

 ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Hiroaki Nagatani 1-7-7 Noyoridai, Toyohashi City, Aichi Prefecture

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A dilute acidic solution containing chitosan (glucosamine, polyglucosamine, N-acetylglucosamine) and its coating.