Decontamination of collards (Brassica oleracea var. acephala L.) using electrolyzed water and corona discharge plasma jet

Abstract

Acidic electrolyzed water (AEW) was used for collards sanitization. In the AEW (pH of 3.6; 230mg/L chlorine) generator, the rates of brine inflow and catholyte outflow were 2.73 and 442mL/min, respectively. Following treatment of the collards with the AEW alone (5min), the counts of aerobic bacterial contaminants were reduced by 1.91 log CFU/g, whereas 2.22 log CFU/g reduction was noted by the AEW soaking (5min) followed by a corona discharge plasma jet treatment (1min). In a similar manner, the counts of yeasts and mold contaminants were reduced (1.48 and 1.75 log CFU/g, respectively). The combination treatment exhibited an additive effect on the microbial inactivation. The combined treatment did not affect significantly the DPPH-radical scavenging activity and sensory properties (appearance, color and flavor) of the collards compared to negative controls. However, significant alterations in the levels of total phenolics and ascorbic acid were observed post-treatment.