ALMOND PASTE - PHYSICOCHEMICAL AND MICROBIOLOGICAL CHARACTERIZATION AND PRESERVATION WITH SORBIC ACID AND CINNAMON

Samples of deteriorated almond pastes were analyzed for their physicoc hemical and microbiological characteristics. The physicochemical deter minations included the a(w), pH humidity, lipid content, acid degree v alue of the extracted lipids, and alcohol content. The microbiological determinations grouped the standard plate counts (SPC), total and fec al coliforms, enterococci, staphylococci, Salmonella, and yeasts. Some samples were then stored at room temperature (around 22 degrees C) fo r periods up to 3 months and the alcohol content of the deteriorated s amples was determined Results showed that the deterioration was due to yeasts. Some yeast isolates were characterized and used in the assays of inhibition by sorbic acid and cinnamon, The minimal inhibitory con centration (MIC) of sorbic acid was reduced in the presence of cinnamo n.