Shelf Life Evaluation of Cling Peaches in Retort Pouches

Retort pouch sliced peaches in syrup were developed to replace freeze‐dried peaches in a military field ration. Two processing variables were investigated: fruit source (fresh and frozen) and syrup pH (3.85 and 3.25). Peaches were stored at 4°, 21° and 38° C and evaluated periodically by sensory panels and biochemical and instrumental analyses. pH had most effect on sensory color, texture and acceptability and instrumental color and sugar composition. High positive correlations existed between a factor (consisting of five sensory quality attributes) and sensory color and texture, Hunter L and a values and sucrose level. Frozen and fresh source peaches at pH 3.85 met shelflife requirements at 21 and 38°.