OPTIMIZATION OF A DICED TOMATO CALCIFICATION PROCESS

The effect of calcium concentration (0.05-1.45% CaCl2), temperature of dipping solution (35-65-degrees-C), and contact time (0.5-3.5 min) on calcium uptake, firmness and pH of diced tomatoes was evaluated during a calcification process using response surface methods. Temperature had no significant effect on the process. Application of graphical optimization techniques revealed that processing in a solution of relatively low calcium concentration (congruent-to 0.43% CaCl2) at ambient temperature (congruent-to 35-degrees-C) for about 3.5 min would yield a product with Ca++ content below the legal limit (<800 mug/g), improved firmness (shear force value > 20 N/g), and with pH low enough (<3.95) to eliminate any requirement for acidification treatment.