Impact of combined ascorbic acid/CaCl2, hydrogen peroxide and ultraviolet light treatments on structure, rheological properties and texture of fresh-cut pear (William var.)

This work aimed to evaluate and correlate rheological properties (dynamic oscillatory, creep/recovery and double compression tests), texture (sensory evaluation) and structure (optical and transmission electron microscopy observations) of fresh-cut pear as affected by ascorbic acid/CaCl2 dipping, hydrogen peroxide and short-wave ultraviolet light radiation (UV-C). All pear samples showed a solid behavior (G′ > G’’), but both dynamic moduli decreased in response to the treatments. For treated tissues, the instantaneous elastic (J0) and the retarded (J1, J2) compliances increased, while the steady-state viscosity (ηN) and all mechanical parameters decreased. PLS regression models revealed that texture could be well explained by rheological properties. Deformability modulus (Ed) was positively correlated to sensory fracturability and hardness and negatively correlated to juiciness. J0, J1 and J2 were negatively related to sensory hardness. Compression and creep parameters evidenced changes in structure (mainly rupture of membranes, degradation of middle lamella and cell walls) of surface tissues.

► We studied the effect combined ascorbic acid/CaCl2, H2O2 and UV-C light on pear.
► We examined rheological properties, texture and structure of treated pear tissues.
► Changes in structural features were mainly evidenced in treated pears.
► PLS models revealed that texture could be well predicted by rheological properties.
► Compression and creep parameters showed ability to evidence structural differences.