CONSERVATION OF MINIMALLY PROCESSED PEARS SUBJECTED TO CHEMICAL TREATMENTS

ABSTRACT

The study aimed to test the effectiveness of chemical additives in maintaining the quality of ‘Williams’ minimally processed pears. At first, the washing, the sanitization and the removal of seeds from the fruits were performed. Then, they were cut in sticks and then immersed in the solutions, comprising the following treatments: ascorbic acid 2% (control), ascorbic acid 2% + calcium chloride 2%, ascorbic acid 2% + citric acid 2%, citric acid 1%, L-cysteine hydrochloride 1%. Fruits were packed in polypropylene trays, in cold storage at 5 ° C for 12 days and every three days they were evaluated. The treatment of L-cysteine hydrochloride 1% was the most effective in inhibiting browning in minimally processed pears, however, fruits treated with ascorbic acid + calcium chloride showed higher firmness during the study period and significantly higher levels of vitamin C when compared to formulations that did not contain ascorbic acid in the composition.

Index terms
Pyrus communis L.; color; firmness; vitamin C; quality