Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of temperature and storage time on the microbiological and sensorial quality of dehydrated tomatoes. Moisture content and water activity were determined, Escherichia coli, fungal and yeast counts were performed, and the intensity of each sensorial property of the dehydrated tomato was evaluated. Information obtained was analyzed by determination of effects, correlation coefficients, multiple regression, main components and cluster analysis. The results showed an important association between fungal, yeast and Escherichia coli, besides appearance, odor and flavor. Based on the results of this study, it concluded that the dehydrated tomato presented desirable microbiological and sensorial characteristics at temperatures between 7 and 20°C for a period up to 60 days.