EFFECT OF MINIMAL PROCESSING ON CHANGES IN THE TEXTURE OF VACUUM-PACKAGED APPLE SLICES

摘要

The aim of the study was to determine changes in the texture and tissue microstructure of apples under the influence of minimal processing, consisting in dipping, blanching and vacuum impregnation with a solution containing ascorbic acid, 4-hexylresorcinol, calcium chloride and sucrose. Among the 10 tested apple varieties the best flesh hardness was found for var. Gala and Idared; these cultivars also exhibited the best texture after the application of vacuum impregnation. The biggest changes both inthe texture and tissue microstructure of apples were caused by blanching, while the smallest ones by dipping. The process of vacuum impregnation ensured a greater uniformity in the flesh microstructure of apple slices, whereas the values of firmness forthese slices decreased during product's storage.