The Impact of an Inert Gas Atmosphere on the Kinetics of Changes in the Physical and Chemical Properties of Carrot Lyophilisate

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to analyse the impact of blanching, the atmosphere of nitrogen and storage time on carotenoids content, colour and sorption properties of freeze-dried carrot. The material was stored for up to 16 weeks, in the dark, at room temperature. The colour was measured on the surface and in cross sections. As the storage time increased, there was a continual decrease in the carotenoids content in the carrot packed in atmospheric air. In the carrots packed in the atmosphere of nitrogen, no changes in carotenoid content were observed. The colour parameters correlated with the changes in the carotenoids content. The colour parameters changed on the surface and in cross sections in the same manner. During storage, a significant decrease in sorption properties of freeze-dried carrots was noted after 2 weeks of storage.