Hygroscopic coatings control surface white discoloration of peeled (minimally processed) carrots during storage Academic Article uri icon

abstract

  • White discoloration on peeled carrots is partially due to surface dehydration which can be controlled with hygroscopic coatings: e.g., polyhydric alcohols and salt solutions. This study was performed at 2.5, 7.5, 10, and 15C, using a model system controlling relative humidity at 33, 75 or 98% or a commercial system with low-density polyethylene (LDPE) plastic film bags. The moisture sorption properties of propylene glycol, sorbitol, glycerol and calcium chloride enabled them to keep the carrot surface moist and maintain a transparent surface layer through which the underlying orange color was visible. This effect was only observed at high relative humidities (e.g., 98% RH). Similar effects were observed on treated peeled carrots stored in LDPE bags. The moisturized appearance provided by the hygroscopic coatings during storage was effective at several different temperatures.

published proceedings

  • Journal of Food Science

author list (cited authors)

  • Cisneros-Zevallos, L., Saltveit, M. E., & Krochta, J. M.

complete list of authors

  • Cisneros-Zevallos, L||Saltveit, ME||Krochta, JM

publication date

  • March 1997