Inhibition of starch retrogradation in fermented rice cakes during simulated cold chain logistics
Jiacheng Shi1, Jiajun Feng2, Yingying Wu2
1College of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Zhejiang Wanli University, Zhejiang, Ningbo 315100, China; College of Food Science and Engineering, Ningbo University, Zhejiang, Ningbo 315832, China.
Abstract:
Starch retrogradation causes quality deterioration in fermented rice cakes (FRCs) during logistics storage, reducing shelf life and consumer acceptability. FRC was stored under four temperature conditions: stable refrigeration at -18 °C/4 °C (G1), temperature fluctuation protocols (G2 and G3), and ambient storage at 25 °C (G4). Refrigerated storage preserved moisture and limited hardness, whereas ambient storage and temperature fluctuations induced moisture loss and textual deterioration. LF-NMR revealed water redistribution from bound to free states, with refrigerated samples maintaining stable water distribution while ambient storage accelerated moisture migration. XRD showed crystallinity, increasing from 24% to 44% (G1), and 56% (G4). DSC showed increases in melting enthalpy, indicating ordered crystalline structures. SEM showed microstructural transformation from porous to dense structures, with severity correlating to storage temperature. Refrigeration maintains starch below critical rearrangement thresholds while elevated temperatures provide thermal activation for crystalline reconstruction. These findings provide theoretical basis for maintaining qualities of traditional fermented foods during logistics.
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