Effect of storage process on the sugars, polyphenols, color and microbiological changes in cracked Manzanilla-Aloreña table olives

Abstract

The green cracked "seasoned" Manzanilla-Aloreña table olive is a specialty with a high demand when prepared from fresh fruits; however, when stored fruits are used, the product loses its green color, presents a brownish tone, and loses demand. Different alternative storage systems for preventing such changes and preserving the freshness of the fruits were studied, and their effects on sugar, polyphenol, color, and microbiological changes were analyzed. The application of two washing waters in the presence of different compounds before brining markedly decreased the sugar and polyphenol contents in the flesh, without negatively influencing the color; it also caused the inhibition of yeasts and lactic acid bacteria (except in treatments using sodium metabisulfite and saturated carbon dioxide (CO(2)) in the storage olive brines. Salicylic acid inhibited microbial growth during washings and storage. The best long-term color was achieved in the presence of sodium metabisulfite. A combination of two washing waters (containing 5% sodium chloride (NaCl) and 0.1% sodium metabisulfite or saturated CO(2)), followed by immersion of the fruits in 15% NaCl brine with 0.1% sodium metabisulfite or brine under saturated CO(2) added, led to the best storage conditions.