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This study aimed to evaluate the vacuum impregnation (VI) and soaking methods in the addition of Lactobacillus acidophilus LA-3 to minimally processed melon (MPM). The melons were washed, sanitised in chlorine solution (200 mg L À1 ), peeled and cutted into cubes. Lactobacillus acidophilus LA-3 (1.4 9 10 10 CFU g À1 ) were added to the MPM through both techniques. The L. acidophilus LA-3 count in MPM was similar to those commonly found in dairy products having probiotic claim, but VI was more efficient than soaking in maintaining the viability (8.61 and 7.98 Log CFU g À1 , respectively). The pH, acidity and soluble solids were not affected by probiotic culture and the incorporation technique; however, the VI affected the firmness of fruit. The MPM was within Brazilian standards for their microbiological characteristics. MPM may be used as a carrier of probiotic bacteria, being one more alternative for individuals who consume probiotic products.Addition of the probiotic in MPM P. M. de Oliveira et al.Addition of the probiotic in MPM P. M. de Oliveira et al.

The demand for healthy diets with fresh foods, especially minimally processed fruits and vegetables, resulted in a variety of products available to consumers. The nutritional benefits of probiotic lactic acid bacteria contribute to increase consumption of minimally processed vegetables enriched with these microorganisms in supermarkets and restaurants, since the modern consumer search products of high functionality and safety. The aim of this study was to assess the viability of Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001 on minimally processed yellow melon and determine the microbiological and physicochemical properties of this food. The counts of L. rhamnosus were above 10 8 CFU · g -1 , and the microbiological quality of melons was safe to consumers. The pH lowered and the acidity increased over time in minimally processed melons. The soluble solids did not differ between samples. The color coordinates L* and a* have not changed and melon firmness decreased over time. The scanning electron microscopy revealed adhesion of L. rhamnosus HN001 on the surface of treated melon. Despite some physicochemical changes, the production of minimally processed melon enriched with L. rhamnosus is feasible transforming it into a potential vehicle for probiotics. Key words: Fruits, minimally processed, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, functional food, non-dairy products ResumoA demanda por uma alimentação saudável com alimentos frescos, especialmente frutas e hortaliças minimamente processadas, resultou em uma variedade de produtos disponíveis para os consumidores. Os benefícios nutricionais de bactérias láticas probióticas contribuem para aumentar o consumo de vegetais minimamente processados enriquecidos com estes micro-organismos em supermercados e restaurantes, uma vez que o consumidor moderno busca produtos de alta funcionalidade e segurança. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a viabilidade de Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001 em melão minimamente processado e determinar as propriedades microbiológicas e físico-químicas desse alimento. As contagens de L. rhamnosus estavam acima 10 8 UFC · g -1 e a qualidade microbiológica dos melões estava segura para os consumidores. O pH diminuiu e a acidez aumentou ao longo do período de estocagem dos melões minimamente processados. Os sólidos solúveis não diferiram entre as amostras. As coordenadas de cor L * e a * não mudaram e a firmeza do melão diminuiu ao longo do tempo. A microscopia eletrônica de varredura revelou a adesão de L. rhamnosus HN001 na superfície do melão tratado. Apesar de algumas alterações físico-químicas, a produção de melão minimamente processado enriquecido com L. rhamnosus é viável e transforma-o em um potencial veículo de probióticos. Palavras-chave: Frutas minimamente processadas, L. rhamnosus, alimentos funcionais, produtos não lácteos

Summary The goal of this research was to evaluate the use of vacuum impregnation (VI) and soaking techniques (ST) in the application of edible coatings of chitosan and chitosan + lauric acid to minimally processed pumpkins (MPP). The vacuum impregnation method led to greater component incorporation (5.9% and 1.75%, respectively) in the pumpkins when compared to soaking and consequently the formation of more uniform, thicker coatings (25.6 and 22.3 μm, respectively). However, VI caused greater changes in pH, acidity, colour and firmness. Relating to water content and carotenoid content, noncoated pumpkins presented greater losses during the storage period, regardless of impregnation method. The pumpkins with edible coatings, regardless of method, presented lower numbers of psychrotrophic micro‐organisms and coliforms during the storage period. Therefore, soaking was considered the best method for the application of chitosan‐based edible coatings to minimally processed pumpkins, as it led to smaller changes in the properties of the product.