Impact of brine on nutrient retention, bioactive compounds, and microbial safety in preserved Arum lobe

This study examined the effect of 5–15% brine on the quality of Arum lobe stored for 120 days at ambient tropical temperature. Fresh Arum lobe showed high moisture, fiber, minerals, and substantial bioactive compounds (ascorbic acid 56.98 mg/100 g; phenolics 151.09 mg GAE/100 g; flavonoids 52.16 mg CE/100 g), resulting in strong antioxidant activity with 72.28% inhibition. During storage, higher brine (15%) showed an apparent increase in extractable phenolics (110.80 mg GAE/100 g), extractable flavonoids (128.60 mg CE/100 g), and corresponding antioxidant capacity (≈76% inhibition), but accelerated losses of ascorbic acid and minerals (Ca, Mg, Fe) through oxidation and leaching. Moisture rapidly decreased initially, then stabilized around 66–69%, while pH fell from 6.10 to 4.00–4.15 and hardness declined from ≈445 g to 302–317 g, indicating tissue softening. Total plate counts dropped below 2.3 log CFU/g in 10–15% brine after 30 days, whereas lactic acid bacteria peaked early then declined, confirming effective microbial control at higher salt levels. From the holistic perspective, 10–15% brine provided the best balance between microbial safety, texture, minerals, and phenolic antioxidant retention, demonstrating a practical, low-cost strategy for Arum lobe in resource-limited areas.