Quality and Shelf‐life of Fresh Cut Carrot Slices as Affected by Slicing Method

The effects of slicing method on the quality and storage‐life of modified atmosphere packaged carrot slices were determined using microscopy, sensory evaluation, microbial counts and a range of physical and chemical tests. Slicing caused physical damage, physiological stress and enhanced microbial growth. The severity of these effects were in the order of blunt machine blade > sharp machine blade > razor blade. These findings provide insights into the magnitude and basis of slicing effects and also confirm the importance of gentle processing and the use of a sharp blade.