Physicochemical Characteristic of The Organic Raisins Served to Markets in Midyat Town of Mardin Province and Besiri Town of Batman Province in Turkey

Abstract

This study was conducted to determine quality criteria of raisins served to taste of consumers in local bazaars and identify their compliance with the standards. Raisin samples randomly taken from local bazaars in Midyat town of Mardin province and Besiri town of Batman province were used as the material of the study. A total of 30 samples (15 from each town) were subjected to physicochemical analyses (100-raisin weight, number of raisins per 100 g, average raisin width, average raisin length, average number of seeds, average seed weight, raisin skin color parameters, chroma and hue angle, pH, TSSC (total soluble solid contents), maturity index, water content, ash content, specific gravity and total acidity). According to size characteristics specified in Turkish Food Codex, in terms of number of raisins per 100 g, all samples, except for M-2 (large), were classified in jumbo (very large) class. In terms of chroma values, M-13 (15.97) and B-3 (6.51) samples had the greatest color saturation and M-11 (3.64) and B-13 (0.22) samples had the opaquest colors. In terms of hue angle values, M-3 (312.59) and B-13 (112.28) samples had the darkest blue color and M-10 (54.09) and B-1 (85.92) samples had the darkest red-purple color. In terms of pH values, M-6 (4.68) samples were classified as moderately acidic foods and all the others were classified as acidic foods. Despite the lack of vertical food codex for raisins in Turkish Food Codex, compliance is required with the horizontal regulation provisions (labeling, contaminants, pesticide, additives, microbiological criteria and etc. applied to all foodstuffs). Present findings revealed that there were no standard productions in raisins sold in public bazaars. Thus, it was concluded that improper storage and marketing conditions could pose serious risks on public health. Therefore, raisin topic should urgently be issues and relevant controls should be made accordingly. A similar study was not conducted in Midyat and Besiri towns of Southeastern Anatolia region. Thus, present findings may guide further researchers.