Storage effects on the quality of osmotically dehydrated cauliflower

The Dehydration is a widely adopted method for extending the shelf life of vegetables and ensuring their availability throughout the year. This study evaluated the impact of four pre-treatments Control (untreated), Blanching, Citric Acid (0.25%), and Potassium Metabisulfite (KMS, 0.25%) on the physico-chemical quality of osmotic dehydrated cauliflower (Brassica oleracea botrytis) stored for 120 days under ambient conditions. Fresh cauliflower was processed into dehydrated form and samples were analyzed at 0, 30, 60, 90, and 120 days for pH, moisture content, titratable acidity, optical density, ash content, and ascorbic acid levels. The Results showed a gradual decline in pH and ascorbic acid across all treatments, with the control group deteriorating most rapidly. KMS-treated samples exhibited minimal pH reduction (from ~6.0 to ~5.7) and superior ascorbic acid retention, indicating strong preservation potential. The Citric acid treatment maintained a lower pH due to its acidic nature and demonstrated effective antimicrobial action. The Blanching offered better quality retention than the control but was less effective than chemical treatments. The Moisture content increased over time in all treatments, likely due to packaging permeability and ambient humidity, with KMS and citric acid showing the least gain. Titratable acidity increased during storage, particularly in untreated samples, reflecting microbial and enzymatic activity. Optical density decreased steadily, with KMS-treated powders retaining better visual quality. The Ash content showed slight reductions across treatments, with chemical treatments providing better mineral retention than control samples. Overall, potassium metabisulfite proved most effective in preserving the nutritional, chemical, and visual quality of cauliflower during storage. The use of KMS or citric acid as practical pre-treatments for commercial dehydration and storage, ensuring extended shelf life and enhanced market value.