Physicochemical and microbiological evaluation of ahuyama (Cucurbita moschata) crushed fresh with coating and polyethylene

composed of vitamin A, carbohydrates, phosphorus and minerals. Also, for its content of 45 % of total carotenoids; 66 % of β-carotene; 33 % of α-carotene, and 44 % of lutein. However, its high amount of water, about 90%, is conducive to bacterial and/or fungal growth reducing its useful life. Present study evaluated every three days, over a total of 12, three repetitions and three replications of freshly cut green bolus squash variety. Physicochemical attributes like weight, color, firmness, and respiration rate were observed, as well as those microscopic (MOAR and MET); bromatological, and microbiological characteristics to 4 different treatments as follow:  SN (control sample); CV (Vinyl wrap); CR (coated with cassava starch and 1 % thyme essential oil); and CB: (binary system with natural source coating and Vinyl wrap) under environmental conditions of 19 °C temperature and 77,75 % average humidity. Vinyl wrap treatment exhibited lower weight, firmness loss, fewer respiration rate loss, and had better color stability. Control and coated samples showed higher sugar and moisture content but lower ash and protein. Additionally, samples with coated and uncoated stretch film registered minor fungal growth.  Fresh cut squash could be properly preserved through the use of low-density polyethylene films (vinyl wrap), allowing to effectively delay the course of quality loss because of handling operations.

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Mosquera Sanchez, Silvio Andres, Santiago Campo, Carlos Holmes, Paz Peña, Sandra Patricia, Ruco Sánchez, Cristina
Format: Digital revista
Language:spa
Published: Universidad del Cauca -Facultad de ciencias Agrarias 2021
Online Access:https://revistas.unicauca.edu.co/index.php/biotecnologia/article/view/1943
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