Abstract:

The effect of slightly acidic electrolyzed water (SAEW) on the microbial state and storage quality of Zizania
latifolia stems was investigated. Untreated Z. latifolia stems were used as control and Z. latifolia stems in the experimental
group were dipped into SAEW with an available chlorine concentration of 30 mg/L for 5 min, then dried, packaged and
finally stored at 4 ℃ for 12 days. Changes in sensory evaluation, microbial colony number, whiteness index, firmness,
weight loss rate, respiratory rate and the contents of lignin, protein, vitamin C and total soluble solids (TSS), and the
activities of polyphenol oxidase (PPO), peroxidase (POD) and catalase (CAT) were measured at an interval of two days.
The results showed that SAEW treatment significantly reduced total bacterial counts by 1.62 (lg(CFU/g)) and maintained
relatively low microbial growth during storage. It was also observed that treated samples decreased respiratory rate, delayed
the appearance of browning, softening, dehydrating and lignifying, and maintained relatively high contents of TSS and
vitamin C. Furthermore, SAEW treatment also inhibited the activities of PPO and POD but promoted the activities of CAT
compared with the contro1 group. These results indicated that SAEW had the potential to ensure the microbial safety and
control the quality deterioration of Z. latifolia stems during storage.

Key words: Zizania latifolia, slightly acidic electrolyzed water, microbial state, storage quality