Effects of different sorbic acid and moisture levels on chemical
and microbial qualities of sun-dried apricots during storage
Effects of different sorbic acid (SA) (0, 488–530 and 982–1087 mg/kg) and moisture [intermediate (271–
278 g/kg) and high (341–344 g/kg)] levels on the chemical and microbiological qualities of sun-dried
apricots during storage at different temperatures (4, 10, 20 and 30 C) for 10 months were evaluated.
Moisture content and SA concentration showed significant effect on brown colour formation, b-carotene
oxidation and microbial load (p < 0.05). As moisture content increased, brown colour formation
decreased. Moreover, SA oxidation protected b-carotene from oxidation. Although no microbial spoilage
was observed in the samples with intermediate moisture content, control group with high moisture was
spoiled by yeast and mould in 1–3 months of storage at all temperatures studied; 488 mg SA/kg was suf-
ficient to prevent the spoilage. Regardless of moisture content, 500 mg SA/kg was found to be effective for
the prevention of brown colour formation and inhibition of microbial growth.
2014 Elsevier Ltd