| abstract |
A freshness retaining agent for food contains ferulic acid in the form of its inclusion complex with cyclodextrin or comprises ferulic acid, alone or together with cyclodextrin, along with a pH-adjusting buffer. The freshness of food is retained by bringing food into contact with an aqueous solution containing said freshness retaining agent and having been adjusted to have pH of from 3 to 10. Using the agent, the freshness of various foods may be retained well, and it is possible to retain the freshness of food for a long period of time. Foods stored in the presence of the agent are not deteriorated or are prevented from being faded, oxidized or rotted. Ferulic acid in the form of an inclusion complex with cyclodextrin is soluble even in cold water and may easily and surely be used for retaining the freshness of various foods. |