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Beyond microbial control: Effects of short-time superheated steam on storage quality and aroma-active volatiles in
Jingyu Gao1,2, Sifan Wei1,2, Mo Li1,2
1College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, No.17 Qinghua East Road, Beijing, 100083, China.
Abstract:
Fresh-cut apples are susceptible to microbial growth, enzymatic browning, and aroma loss, requiring balanced preservation strategies. This study aimed to evaluate 10-s superheated steam (SHS; 150-300 °C) on fresh-cut Fuji apples during 9-day refrigerated storage, with 10-s saturated steam at 100 °C (CK) for comparison. Microbial and physicochemical attributes were assessed. Volatile aroma compounds (VACs) were profiled by HS-SPME-GC-MS and evaluated using odor activity values (OAVs). At 150 °C, SHS best retained total phenolics, VACs, and OAVs among SHS treatments but provided weaker bacterial control and peroxidase inhibition. Compared with CK, SHS at 300 °C significantly reduced microbial counts by up to 2.85 lg CFU/g (p < 0.05) and most strongly inhibited peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase, but generally retained fewer VACs and lower OAVs than lower-temperature SHS treatments. Overall, SHS at 250 °C best balanced microbial control, physicochemical quality, and VAC/OAV retention, supporting SHS as a promising treatment for fresh-cut apples.
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