Effect of low-pressure cold plasma processing on decontamination and quality attributes of Saffron (Crocus sativus
Haleh Darvish1, Yousef Ramezan1,2, Mohammad Reza Khani3
1Department of Food Science and Technology Faculty of Pharmacy Tehran Medical Sciences Islamic Azad University Tehran Iran.
Abstract:
This study investigated the microbial decontamination of saffron using the low-pressure cold plasma (LPCP) technology. Therefore, other quality characteristics of saffron that create the color, taste, and aroma have also been studied. The highest microbial log reduction was observed at 110 W for 30 min. Total viable count (TVC), coliforms, molds, and yeasts log reduction were equal to 3.52, 4.62, 2.38, and 4.12 log CFU (colony-forming units)/g, respectively. The lowest decimal reduction times (D-values) were observed at 110 W, which were 9.01, 3.29, 4.17, and 8.93 min for TVC, coliforms, molds, and yeasts. LPCP treatment caused a significant increase in the product's color parameters (L*, a*, b*, ΔE, chroma, and hue angle). The results indicated that the LPCP darkened the treated stigma's color. Also, it reduced picrocrocin, safranal, and crocin in treated samples compared to the untreated control sample (p < .05). However, after examining these metabolites and comparing them with saffron-related ISO standards, all treated and control samples were good.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Methods of Sterilization II: Chemical Methods
Using chemical sterilization rather than heat to clean out equipment is recommended. It eradicates and removes all bacteria,...
Physical Methods for Controlling Microbial Growth: Radiation and Filtration
Physical Methods for Controlling Microbial Growth: Temperature
Supercritical Fluid Chromatography
SFC utilizes a supercritical fluid mobile phase,...
Methods of Sterilization I: Physical Methods
Steam sterilization uses non-toxic, low-cost moist heat in the form of saturated steam under pressure, which is fast, microbicidal, and sporicidal, and quickly warms and penetrates fabrics. Autoclaves, or steam sterilizers, expose each item to direct steam contact for a predetermined time at the necessary...


