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2.2: Osmosis and Enzymatic Browning

  • Page ID
    43452
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    Learning Objectives
    • Observe osmosis.
    • Understand how osmosis can be used to move water in and out of raw fruits and vegetables.
    • Observe enzymatic browning.
    • Identify some methods of controlling enzymatic browning.

    Osmosis

    Definition: Water moves across a semipermeable membrane in response to solute concentration. Osmosis is important when considering fruit and vegetable cell membranes.

    Cell membranes are semipermeable, which:

    • Allows water to pass in and out of cells
    • Blocks passage of dissolved solutes

    This means water will move across the cell membrane to try to even out concentrations. Cells full of water = crisp fruits and vegetables.

    A figure showing osmosis
    Water will move from areas of high concentration (greater amount of free water) to areas of low concentration (areas where there is more water bound to solutes.)

    Importance in food quality: Osmosis may lead to a soggy, not crisp texture in fruits and vegetables

    Give an example of osmosis in a food product:

    Observe the effect of salt on the appearance and texture of cucumbers

    Method Appearance Texture
    Soak in 1 cup of cold water only    
    Soak in salt/water solution (2 tbsp salt to 1 cup cold water)    
    Sprinkle with 2 tbsp salt only    

    Explanation:

    Enzymatic Browning

    Definition: Browning reaction when some fruits and vegetables are cut and exposed to oxygen. Substrate + Enzyme + Oxygen = Browning –OR– Phenolic compounds + Polyphenoloxidase + Oxygen

    Importance in food quality: Appearance (not a safety concern)

    Enzymatic Browning Reaction

    Give an example of enzymatic browning in a food product:

    Give an example of a way to prevent enzymatic browning:

    Demonstrate enzymatic browning and methods of control

    1. Slice an apple or banana onto separate dishes with a stainless steel knife.
    2. Apply assigned treatment.
    3. Allow to stand uncovered for one hour.
    4. Record observations.
    Treatment Appearance
    None  
    Diluted lemon juice
    (1 part to 3 parts water)
     
    Commercial anti-darkening agent  

    This page titled 2.2: Osmosis and Enzymatic Browning is shared under a CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Erica Beirman and Kate Gilbert (Iowa State University Digital Press) .

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