Quality Changes of Minimally Processed and Vacuum-Packed Carrot During Chilling Storage

Carrot (Daucus carota) is a popular root vegetable, grown and consumed throughout the world. It is the source of many nutrients contained in it due to biologically active compounds. Easy-growing, high fertility and suitability for production of various processed foods, as well as the possibility of long-term storage makes possible to consume it throughout the year. Both fresh and processed carrots are widely used in cuisine, its value depends on many valuable components. The aim of this paper is the quality assessment of raw, cooled and vacuum-packed diced carrot of Perfekcja variety which was blanched or immersed in 0,25% citric acid solution. The examined material was evaluated sensorially in respect of appearance, colour, taste, smell and consistency of raw and cooled diced carrot. Preservation durability of examined products was based on microbiological analysis. Content of nitrates (V) and (III) was tested in peeled and un-peeled raw carrot before processing and in blanched or immersed in citric acid. The results of the tests showed that initial processing as well as cooling preservation time of carrot influence significantly sensory features of the products. Products which were blanched in water, vacuum-packed and stored in a refrigerator were of better quality in comparison with carrot immersed in citric acid. Blanched carrot was microbiologically clean but the preservation time caused reduction of nitrates (V) to nitrates (III).