The Science Behind Ozone-Washed Vegetables: How Does It Work?
The COVID-19 pandemic has proven that washing the vegetables with just water is not enough. There are bacteria and viruses that are still sustained on the surface of fruits and vegetables and can be potentially harmful to our bodies. Thus, the concept of a second level of sanitization came into existence which led to the rise of ozone-washing and the development of home gadgets to get rid of those unwanted microorganisms. As this was adding chores to the already busy lives the availability of washed and cut vegetables online simplified the problems. This not only saves time but also makes fruits and vegetables healthier for our consumption.
Ways in Which Ozone can be used for Fruits and Vegetables
Washing
Where water can clean the fruits and vegetables, it cannot sterilize them. Ozone washing is effective in this scenario. This could be achieved by using any of the spray or flume washing systems. This reduces the microbial count on the surface of the produce. Ozone is particularly effective against food pathogens that are the biggest concern to the produce industry.
Storage
Since ozone guards the surfaces of the produce against microbial action, it also has an application in food storage and increases the shelf life of the produce. It can be employed in low concentrations in cold storage to protect the produce against mold and bacteria. It can also assist in deodorization. The shelf life is also increased by interfering with the ripening process of fruits and vegetables.
Processing
Ozonated water can be used at the time of cutting and chopping the fruits and vegetables, to disinfect the surfaces of the equipment used. It is an effective and safe disinfectant and can help improve food safety by reducing cross-contamination.
Packaging
Ozonated water can also be used to disinfect packaging materials, helping to reduce the risk of contamination during transportation and storage.
Used Cases of Ozone to Improve the Quality of Fruits and Vegetables
Physiological Behavior
Sometimes the cutting of fruits and vegetables causes damage to the plant tissues known as wound injuries and can potentially affect the shelf life of plants and vegetables. Wounding may cause chlorophyll degradation and yellowing of leafy green vegetables and stems. Wounding caused by cutting, peeling, and trimming increases the respiration rate of fruits and vegetables. This exposes them to microbial action making the produce unfit for use. Ozone treatments have been used to the rescue. It reduces the ethylene production for fresh-cut cabbages, melons, spinach, and apples thus, enhancing the overall quality of the produce. Using ozone also helps to keep the texture intact of those leafy greens by maintaining the moisture content and avoiding quick dehydration.
Chemical and Nutritional Content
The use of ozone is limited to surface hygiene only and it does not penetrate deep into the produce. Aqueous ozone penetrates to a few millimeters but the gaseous ozone penetrates a bit deeper. This explains the protection against wounding damage but ensures the security of the chemical and nutritional content of the produce.
Sensorial Properties
These include attractive colors, acceptable aroma and taste, and appropriate texture which affect the buying habits of the consumers. Ozone treatment is known to maintain the sensory quality during storage. Aqueous ozone washing is an effective treatment that features slower degradation with the consequent extension of shelf life, maintaining the sensorial quality of fresh-cut fruits and vegetables.
Encapsulating, ozone-washed fruits and vegetables are great for health and can be stored long as compared to vegetables which are washed only with water.
Buy Ozone-Washed Vegetables Online
GreenChopper offers the best platform and services for fresh vegetable delivery in Bangalore. Additionally, they save your meal prep time as they retail various fruits and vegetables in different shapes and sizes according to your needs.Plus the best part is that they provide ozone-washed vegetable delivery in Bangalore. So do not wait to incorporate health into your meals and order fresh chopped fruits and vegetables with GreenChopper now.
