Compositions and processes for maintaining the integrity of freshly-cut apples

摘要

Compositions and processes are disclosed for treating fresh-cut apple pieces by dipping cut apple pieces in an aqueous solution containing GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) substances that protect the cut apple pieces from deterioration due to increased enzymatic activity, oxidative reactions, water migration and microbial effects during the extended shelf life of the fresh-cut apples pieces. The composition consists principally of L-cysteine, sorbitol and calcium chloride. A chelator such as sodium hexametaphosphate can be added to enhance the affiance of the agent. Cysteine is present in a concentration of 1.00-4.00 g/l of solution, sorbitol at 2.00 g/l, and calcium chloride at 1.0-10.0 g/l. A synergistic effect is observed when apple pieces are packaged in a film that will equilibrate to oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the range of 0.5-5.0% and 7.0-37.0%, respectively. The treatment protocol in the processing plant is designed to meet the needs of individual apple processors.