The Drip by AQUALAB: Mario Gonzalez and High Pressure Food Processing

Mario Gonzalez Angulo is the HPP Food Applications Manager at Hiperbaric High Pressure Technologies. Curious about how your guacamole stays fresh? High Pressure Processing (HPP) is a non-thermal food preservation method that harnesses oceanic-level pressures to inactivate foodborne pathogens and extend the shelf life of various products… all while preserving their nutritional and sensory qualities. We’ll explore the history, application, and potential of this revolutionary technology, as well as its effects on the molecular level. In this episode, you’ll hear about:The journey of HPP from its first mention in 1899What food products are benefiting from HPP – from guacamole to baby foodWhy water activity needs to be between 0.97 and 1 for optimal HPP effectivenessHow the method keeps your food pathogen-free AND flavorfulHow the applications of HPP extend beyond foodJump to:(04:43) pH and water activity determine microbial inactivation.(06:54) How pressure affects weak bonds, not strong covalent bonds.(12:50) Why clostridium botulinum struggles to grow in coconut water.(16:54) The guest’s favorite artist and song(20:30) Featured artist and song(22:31) This episode’s MantraFeatured Artist and Song:Cheshmhaye Tameshki by Marjan Farsad, sung by Roodabeh DerakhshanianLinks mentioned in this episode:Hiperbaric High Pressure TechnologiesThe Scientist by Coldplay, music was chosen by Mario Gonzalez AnguloConnect with the showAQUALABZachary Cartwright, PhD