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Food Technology








 How to Prevent Mold Formation in Tomato Paste?


How to Prevent Mold Formation in Tomato Paste?


Microorganisms love a food medium with a high water content, a pH value close to neutral, and a high nutritional value, and they develop rapidly in this environment. When we create environmental conditions that microorganisms do not like by using food preservation methods, we can suppress their growth. For example, we can reduce the water value by drying, cut off its contact with oxygen, or lower the pH value by fermentation.
 
In tomato paste, the raw material of which is tomato, we can see that molds develop more than bacteria, since it is a food with a low pH value. It is possible to make some arrangements to prevent this. We can realize fast consumption by choosing smaller portions when purchasing. When it is divided into smaller weights and kept in the freezer, the possibility of molding is eliminated. In addition, after using a part of the product, we should add oil to the rest of the product and minimize the oxygen contact and store it at +4 degrees. Another issue is packaging materials. Since tomato paste is an acidic food, it causes corrosion in metal packaging. For this, we should prefer more glass packaging materials.
 
In summary, for mold growth, the environment must have a high water content and allow contact with air. In this way, we can prevent mold growth by creating an environment that molds do not like. In addition, in a study, it was reported that essential oils with antifungal activity such as thyme and clove can be good preservatives instead of synthetic preservatives.
 
Reference: https://www.gidabilgi.com/Makale/Detay/salcada-kuf-olusumu-nasil-engellenir-f49317