2.2.2.2.1. Raw materials
Eleven raw materials were sampled, including five cultivars (Samoa, Xantos, Porto, Anjou and Maritime). For each raw material, 3 samples were taken before the beginning of the process. Green beans were immediately stabilised in liquid nitrogen and then stored at −20 °C until analysis.
2.2.2.2.2. Final products
Nine final products (cans) were sampled, including four cultivars (Samoa, Xantos, Porto and Angers). For each final product, three cans were collected at the end of the process, after sterilisation by immersion. The cans were opened about one month after sterilisation. The green beans were stabilised in liquid nitrogen and stored at −20 °C until analysis. Covering juice was frozen and stored at −20 °C until analysis. The size of the cans differed with 2 sizes, 850 g net weight corresponding to cans 4/4 (7 batches) and 425 g corresponding to cans 1/2 (2 batches). No cans corresponding to cans 1/4 (212 g) were available in this part of the work.