Impact of ozonation process on the microbiological and antioxidant status of raspberry (Rubus ideaeus L.) fruit during storage at room temperature

Abstract

In this study the effect of the ozonation procedure on the microbiological and antioxidant status of raspberries stored at room temperature was investigated. During the study, it was found that ozonation with a dose of 8–10 ppm for 30 min, every 12 hours, for 3 days effectively reduced the growth of aerobic mesophilic bacteria and fungi. On the last day of storage, infestation with Botrytis cinerea for control fruit amounted 100%, while for ozonated fruits it was only 12%. In addition, the ozonation process has preserved the high antioxidant potential of the fruits and reduced the loss of polyphenol compounds, including anthocyanin. The applied procedure was proven to be effective, showing the potential of ozone as a factor extending the high commercial and consumer value of fruit stored at room temperature.