Use of potassium sorbate, diethylpyro-carbonate and heat for the preservation of prunes at high moisture levels

Normal mould and yeast growth causing spoilage in prunes containing 69% moisture could be prevented by heat processing. At 57% moisture, a dip in 10% potassium sorbate solution was effective for 40–50 days. At 43% moisture, a 5% potassium sorbate dip provided protection and at 34% even a 2% potassium sorbate dip or 550 ppm diethylpyrocarbonate was adequate to inhibit the mould and yeast growth during the 90 day duration of this study.