4. Results and discussion
Table 1 shows the results of pH, Brix, Titratable
Acidity, and total and reducing sugars of the different
fruit pulp. The physical and chemical results show
that, with respect to carbohydrate content, fruit pulp is
an adequate substrate for L. monocytogenes to grow
in. The average pH cannot be considered inhibitory,
especially in melon and watermelon. Papaya pulp,
being even more acidic, is typically a low acid fruit
(pH>4.6). Thus, the fruit pulp composition alone of
the fruits does not appear to be a barrier to Listeria
growth.
The procedure applied for aseptic removal of fruit
pulp was adequate. All the analyses of uninoculated
samples performed initially and during the incubation
period revealed the absence of Listeria or other