Abstract: The described method of determining viable microorganism population comprises spreading an experimentally pre-determined volume of an aqueous suspension of said microorganism, (such as bacteria, ricketsia, yeasts, fungi, molds, algae, viruses, protozes and similar organism), on the surface of a dried hydrophilic polymer film, capable of forming a solid (non-flowing) gel on rehydration and supported by a suitable (for subsequent operations) piece of material, (made of glass, ceramic, metal, plastic etc.

Abstract: A process for treating peas or other green vegetables such that they may be canned in a manner to retain their green color. The process is characterized by the steps of maintaining the vegetable in a fresh state and in an aerobic environment such that it does not wilt and continues to respire aerobically up to the sterilization step, sterilizing the vegetable at a temperature between 250.degree. F, preferably 275.degree. F, and the scorching temperature of the vegetable for a sufficient amount of time to yield a commercially sterile vegetable, and sealing the vegetable in a container. The conventional blanching step is eliminated in this process but may be replaced by a hot water wash at a temperature below the thermal injury temperature of the vegetable. The process produces green color retained vegetables without the addition of dyes or chemicals (except for salt and sugar) to the can.