3.6. Organoleptic evaluations
Significant differences in quality attributes were observed between temperatures, time and treatments (Table 3). Compared to 10°C, tomato slices kept at 2°C had better visual quality. When prolonging the storage time from 7 to 10 days, losses in visual quality and texture were enhanced for both temperatures. The aroma was moderate for most of the conditions assayed, except that control and calcium-treated samples stored at 10°C lost their characteristic aroma. The temperature of 2°C did not induce any defects and was considered the best to maintain the overall visual quality, except for control samples that showed the lowest quality. Compared to those at 2°C, slices at 10°C showed significant differences as regards the loss of visual quality, aroma and texture, and increase in defects (Table 3). Control and calcium-treated samples were inedible after 10 days at 10°C and a dehydrated appearance was the most important defect. The reduced O2 and elevated CO2 levels reached under MAP-stored tomato slices at 10°C did not confer off-flavours or any taste of fermentation. Active MAP showed the best results with regard to the quality attributes at 10°C.