The aim of the presented study was to evaluate the microbiological, chemical, physical and organoleptic properties of sugar-based foods (apricot-apple jam, flower meadow honey, sweetened hazelnut cocoa spread) stored at four different temperatures (−18, 5, 23 and 40 °C) for a period of 24 months. In addition, critical combinations of storage temperature and time were determined for maintaining food quality and food safety. Storage of all samples ≤23 °C appeared to be safe from a microbiology perspective, while in the case of storage at 40 °C it was not recommended to exceed a storage period of 6 or 12 months. The pH-values decreased and the dry matter, ammonia, TBARS content increased most intensively during the first 6 months of storage (P < 0.05). The amino acid content of sweetened hazelnut cocoa spread decreased significantly at 40 °C (P < 0.05). With the prolonged storage time, the organoleptic properties of the samples deteriorated. The changes were more intensive when an elevated storage temperature was used (P < 0.05). Moreover, under the above-mentioned conditions a marginal decrease of the total saccharide content in all samples was observed. In addition, the apparent viscosity of the honey and the firmness of the jam increased significantly at elevated temperatures of 40 °C (P < 0.05). © 2022 The Author(s)
Univerzita Tomáše Bati ve Zlíně: IGA/FT/2019/006; Ministerstvo Obrany České Republiky, MOČR
Tomas Bata University in Zlin [IGA/FT/2019/006]; project of long-term strategy of organization development DZRO ROZVOLOG Development of Capabilities and Sustainability of Logistics Support (DZRO ROZVOLOG, 2016-2021) - Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic