Flavor, texture, and color are quality parameters that are
typically assessed for fresh products, immediately after
blanching and after a given storage time. These studies
allow determining the efficacy of the process in retaining
or improving food quality and depend on each process. As
discussed above, food quality is greatly affected by the
type and extent of blanching. Mathematical equations
describing the effects of thermal treatments on the quality
of foods are presented in the articles ‘‘Decimal Reduction
Times,’’ ‘‘Activation Energy in Thermal Process Calculations,’’
and ‘‘Thermal Resistance Constant and Q10’’ in
this encyclopedia. A summary of the quality parameters
commonly used to evaluate the effects of blanching is
presented below.