Effects of Mild Thermal Processing and Storage Conditions on the Quality Attributes and Shelf Life of Truffles (Terfezia claveryi)

This study investigated the effects of two mild thermal processing (MTP) (63 °C, 40 °C, 3 min) methods, in a brine storage medium (7–16% (w/v) NaCl) and a vinegar solution (5% vinegar, 1% salt, and 0.5% sugar), on some physicochemical properties of truffles (Terfezia claveryi). Weight loss, phenolic compounds, firmness, ascorbic acid and microbial loads were evaluated during 160 days of storage. It was demonstrated that a 5% vinegar treatment with 63 °C MTP was effective to reduce the weight loss, microbial spoilage and increased firmness and of truffles during storage. However, phenolic compounds and ascorbic acid content were decreased by heating. Both MTPs inhibited the microbial load, but the 63 °C, 3 min MTP was most effective and resulted in an immediate (3.05–3.2 log CFU/g) reduction in the total aerobic bacteria (TAB) and remained at an acceptable level during storage, while the 40 °C, 3 min MTP reduced (1.12–2 log CFU/g) of the TAB. The results of this study suggest that the 63 °C MTP and immersion in 5% vinegar increased the shelf life of the truffles without perceptible losses in quality attributes.