Shelf Life of Sliced Raw Potatoes of Various Cultivar Varieties—Substitution of Bisulfites

Abstract

The effects of potato variety (Van Gogh, Bintje and Fambo), washing with browning prevention Chemicals in place of sodium bisulfite, percentages of CO2, O2, and N2 in the package headspace, and storage time (1,4, and 7 days) on the sensory and microbiological quality of potato slices were examined. Citric acid and ascorbic acid (at 0.1% each and at 0.5% each) were used as browning prevention Chemicals. In the packaging atmosphere the percentage of N2 was 75 or 80%, the percentage of O2 was 5 or 0%, and the percentage of CO2 was 20% at the beginning of storage. Packed potato slices were stored in the dark at 5°C. Darkening was the most important factor limiting the sensory quality of raw potato slices. Darkening occurred quickly with Fambo slices; it seems that Fambo is not a suitable potato variety if slices are to be stored. Water-washed and cooked Van Gogh slices were still acceptable for retailing after a storage period of 7 days. After 7 days of storage the best sensory quality of both raw and cooked Bintje slices was obtained with washing Solutions containing 0.1 to 0.5% citric and ascorhic acids and with the gas mixture containing 20% CO2 and 80% N2. The number of microorganisms was higher in samples stored in the atmosphere containing 5% O2 than samples stored in the atmosphere containing 0% O2. Washing of potato slices with browning prevention Chemicals decreased the number of microorganisms compared to potato slices not washed or potato slices washed with water after 7 days of storage.