Grinding foods, such as grating vegetables or fruits, will shorten their shelf life. Inorganic Chemistry Department Assoc. Prof. stated that this process is explained by a number of factors related to physical and chemical changes in the product. ONE. Reformatsky RTU MIREA Andrey Dorokhov.
“When a product is crushed, its contact area with the environment increases. This means more oxygen and moisture molecules can interact with the surface of the product. Oxygen promotes oxidation, and water encourages the growth of microorganisms such as bacteria and mold. Accordingly, the larger the contact area, the faster the product deteriorates. “For example, grated carrots lose their freshness much faster than whole carrots, because when exposed to air, their cellular structure breaks down, oxidative processes begin and they become soft and tasteless within a few hours,” he explained.
Additionally, when products are crushed, they lose the integrity of their cells. Inside these cells are enzymes, vitamins and other biologically active substances. When cells are damaged, these components appear and react with oxygen in the air, accelerating decomposition processes. For example, when cutting apples or potatoes, the polyphenol oxidase enzyme comes into contact with oxygen, causing the meat to darken. A similar situation can be observed in other foods containing this enzyme, such as bananas and pears.
“It is also worth considering that milled products are more sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity levels. Destroyed cells cannot effectively retain moisture within themselves, so they dry out faster or, on the contrary, absorb excess water from the environment. High humidity can lead to mold and bacteria “For example, grated cheese or vegetables such as zucchini and eggplant will become soft and juicy in a very short time if they are left outdoors even for a short time,” he said.
Dorokhov concluded that to extend the storage period of crushed products, it is recommended to store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer, avoiding prolonged exposure to light and heat.
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Source: Gazeta
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