Effect of processing under ultraviolet light on the shelf life of fresh-cut cantaloupe melon
2005
Lamikanra, O. | Kueneman, D. | Ukuku, D. | Bett-Garber, K.L.
The effect of processing cantaloupe melon under ultraviolet-C (UV-C) radiation on storage properties of the cut fruit at 10 degrees C was compared with post-cut UV-C fruit treatment and the untreated control. Cutting fruit under UV-C light induced a hypersensitive defense response that resulted in increased accumulation of ascorbate peroxidase relative to the other 2 treatments. Fruit processed under UV-C radiation had the lowest esterase activity throughout the storage period. Lipase activity was higher in post-cut treated fruit than fruit processed under UV-C light and the control fruit. Lipase activity, however, decreased rapidly in fruit processed under UV-C and was undetectable after 7 d of storage. Human sensory aroma evaluation indicates reduced rancidity, and instrumental texture measurements suggested improved firmness retention in fruit cut under UV-C radiation. The treatment also reduced respiration during cut fruit storage. UV-C was effective in reducing yeast, mold, and Pseudomonas spp populations in both treatments. Fresh-cut pieces from whole melon cut under UV light had lower populations of aerobic mesophilic and lactic acid bacteria relative to the control and post-cut treated pieces. Results indicate that while post-cut application of UV improved shelf life of cut cantaloupe melon, cutting fruit under UV-C radiation further improves product quality.
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