Abstract:
Minimally processed ambarella (Spondias dulcis L.) and the mixed load of ambarella and pineapple (Ananas comosus (L.) Merr) stored at 5-7 0C for seven days were evaluated for variation in physico-chemical, sensory and microbiological quality. Samples were treated with sodium chloride, calcium chloride, sodium chloride + calcium chloride, ascorbic acid, citric acid, chitosan or distilled water (control) and packed in polystyrene packages before storage. Pretreatments did not have a significant effect on the physico-chemical properties [titratable acidity (TA), total soluble solids (TSS) and pH] when compared to the control. Sensory attributes such as appearance, colour, odour, flavour, taste and overall acceptability generally declined with time but were within acceptable limits by the end of seven-day storage period. The microbial counts (total plate count and yeast and mould count) for all treatments except for the control were within safe-to-consume limits and Salmonella was not detected in any of the samples by the end of storage period. As pretreatments tested had no significant effect on physico-chemical or sensory properties and maintained low microbial counts, minimally processed ambarella and mixed load of ambarella and pineapple processed this way could be recommended for sale at supermarket chains with cold storage facility as a value added product.
