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Microwave Innovations Extend Hummus Freshness, Removing Need for Preservatives
- Washington State University (WSU) researchers have developed innovative microwave technologies to extend the shelf life of hummus without the need for chemical preservatives, enhancing food safety and freshness.
- The research focused on microwave-assisted pasteurization and sterilization techniques, maintaining the taste and texture of hummus while ensuring safety for consumption up to two years at room temperature when unopened.
- The technology, devised by Juming Tang and his team, efficiently eliminates food pathogens and preserves nutritional quality through rapid and uniform heating, a stark contrast to traditional preservation methods like canning.
- Lead investigator Shyam Sablani expressed optimism about the findings, highlighting high-quality storage, texture, and sensory attributes achieved through microwave processing.
- WSU researchers chose lentils over chickpeas for their hummus variant, exploring different flavor profiles and sustainability, enhancing the product with vitamin C retention up to 75% post-treatment.
- The research aims to obtain qualitative feedback from panels to ensure consumer acceptance and market alignment, following the Soil to Society program's objective of providing nutritious grains and legumes to the public.
- The collaboration seeks industry partners to scale production for the consumer market, potentially bridging the gap between nutrition, safety, and taste in commercialized microwave-processed products.
- This innovative approach not only transforms traditional recipes into modern, health-focused products but also presents a promising avenue for natural food preservation methods in response to consumer and market demands.
- WSU's commitment to food safety, nutritional quality, and consumer preferences signifies a significant step forward in the food industry, leading to potential advancements in perishable food innovations.
- The intersection of microwave technology, food safety, and nutritional enrichment in this research sets the stage for a shift towards healthier, preservative-free food options, heralding a future of enhanced food practices.
- By redefining perceptions of food safety and shelf stability through innovative microwave technologies, WSU's research project paves the way for a healthier, safer, and more sustainable food industry.
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