Date fruits (Phoenix dactylifera Lynn.) is one
of the oldest fruits in the world. It has been used from 6000 Years ago. It is
grown in many countries worldwide, majorly Algeria, China, Egypt, Iran, Iraq,
Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Sudan and United Arab Emirates.
The fruit weights from 4.60 g to
11.62 g. 100 g of date flesh provide 73.5 g of carbohydrates, 2.3 g of
proteins, 1.5 g of ash and 0.2 g of fat. It also contains minerals like
calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium, sodium, zinc, copper
manganese and selenium. Dates fruits are generally resistant
to microbial contamination due to their high sugar contents but they are
affected by various fungal species, insect infestations and bacterial
contaminants. It reduces the texture, taste and shelf life of dates. Majorly lactic
acid bacteria and acetic acid bacteria colonize in higher number. A numerous
fungal species also involved in the contamination of date fruits.
Fungal contamination is a direct
relationship with both the physical initial dates and environmental conditions
of the premises including the storage temperature and humidity can alter the
organoleptic parameters of dates, and consequently decrease the market value.
So control parameters like sun drying, chemical fumigation, modified
atmospheric packaging, radiation, deep freezing, refrigeration, Water washing,
oil coating were followed to prevent the entry of microbes.
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