THE CHEMISTRY OF TEXTURE IN FRUITS AND VEGETABLES

Abstract

ABSTRACT This review is concerned with the chemistry of the major primary cell wall components, pectins, hemicelluloses and cellulose, under conditions found during the normal handling of fruits and vegetables. These polymeric components are considered separately, then their combined changes during maturation, storage and processing are covered. The effects of tissue conditions, pH, enzymes and salt concentrations on the rate and degree of change are discussed. A large part of the review deals with the important texture‐affecting reactions of pectic materials including glycosidic hydrolysis, β‐elimination type depolymerization, demethoxylation, and complex formation.