Impregnation Solution Influence on the Pulp Color of Plantains (Musa paradisiaca)

The influence of antioxidant (sodium metabisulphite Na2S2O5 and ascorbic acid C6H8O6) and acidulant (citric acid C6H8O7) solutions on the color of vacuum impregnated green plantain pulp (GPP), stored (0, 3, 6, 9, 12 and 15 days; 4, 20 and 30 °C) and vacuum packed (VP) or packed without vacuuming (WV), was evaluated. The color was determined by the CIE-L*a*b* coordinates, where the lightness (L*) was the most important parameter for browning control (L*critical=70). Component concentrations in the impregnation solutions were established to achieve levels of sodium benzoate (1,000 mg), EDTA (75 mg) and sulphites (500, 1,000 y 1,500 mg), per kg of fresh GPP; and ascorbic acid (60, 90 and 120 mg) and citric acid (100, 150 and 250 mg), per 100 g of fresh GPP. Significant differences were seen (PL*critical for 15 days were: sodium metabisulphite (500 mg/kg of GPP, WV and 0 mg/kg of GPP, VP), ascorbic acid (90 mg/100 g of GPP, WV and 60 mg/100 g of GPP, VP), citric acid (100 mg/100 g of GPP, VP) and for the mixture of ascorbic acid (90 mg): citric acid (100 mg)/100 g of GPP, VP.