Maintaining quality and bioactive compounds of broccoli by combined treatment with 1‐methylcyclopropene and 6‐benzylaminopurine

BACKGOUND: Broccoli deteriorates very quickly after harvest at ambient temperature due to the loss of green colour and the consequent yellowing of florets. To search for an effective method to control quality deterioration, the effect of 1‐methylcyclopropene (1‐MCP) combined with 6‐benzylaminopurine (6‐BA) treatment on visual quality, antioxidant enzymes and bioactive compounds in broccoli florets were investigated. RESULTS: A combined treatment of 2.5 µL L^?1 1‐MCP and 200 mg L^?1 6‐BA significantly reduced the increase of lightness (L*) value, and retained a high level for the hue value (H) and chlorophyll content. Superoxide dismutase, ascobate peroxidase and catalase activities increased while the activity of peroxidase decreased during storage in treated samples in comparison with the controls. The combined treatment enhanced the biosynthesis of glucosinolate and the formation of the anticarcinogen sulforaphane, which improved the health benefit of broccoli. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that a combined treatment of 1‐MCP and 6‐BA could be a good candidate for maintaining the visual quality and enhancing the nutritional value in broccoli during storage at 15 °C. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry     

Effect of 1-methylcyclopropene on shelf life,visual quality,antioxidant enzymes and health-promoting compounds in broccoli florets

The effect of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) on quality, antioxidant enzymes and glucosinolate contents in broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica) florets was investigated in the present study. Broccoli florets were treated with air (control) and 2.5 μl/l 1-MCP for 6 h at 20 °C, and were then stored at 20 °C for 5 days. 1-MCP treatment markedly extended shelf life, reduced postharvest deterioration, retarded chlorophyll degradation and inhibited the increase of malondialdehyde amount and activities of polyphenol oxidase and lipoxygenase in florets. The activities of superoxide dismutase, peroxidase and catalase in florets treated with 1-MCP were higher than those in control florets. 1-MCP treatment reduced the rate of decrease of total carotenoids, ascorbic acid and glucosinolates in florets when compared to those in the control. These results indicated that 1-MCP treatment could be a good candidate for extending shelf life, maintaining visual quality and reducing loss of health-promoting compounds, particularly glucosinolates in broccoli.     

Physiology and Quality Responses of Fresh-cut Broccoli Florets Pretreated with Ethanol Vapor

ABSTRACT:  The exposure of intact broccoli to 6 mL/kg ethanol for 5 h was effective in inhibiting the senescence of fresh-cut broccoli florets. During the 8 d of storage at 10 °C, the weight loss, protein, and chlorophyll degradation of the treated broccoli florets were significantly retarded. The ethanol content of the ethanol-treated broccoli rose sharply and then descended rapidly to a level close to that of the control broccoli stored at 10 °C after 8 d. The acetaldehyde level of the treated broccoli was higher than that of the control broccoli over the whole storage period. The alcohol dehydrogenase activity of the treated broccoli was significantly higher than that of the control after 6 d. There had been higher activities of peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase in ethanol-treated broccoli. Our study showed that the fresh-cut broccoli treated with ethanol maintained better quality during the storage. Ethanol vapor would be commercially a good candidate for extending the shelf-life of fresh-cut broccoli florets and reducing the loss in postharvest.     

Impact of UV-B irradiation on chlorophyll degradation and chlorophyll-degrading enzyme activities in stored broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. Italica Group) florets

UV-B irradiation was applied to broccoli florets to investigate its effect on chlorophyll degradation and chlorophyll-degrading enzyme activities in stored broccoli. Broccoli florets were irradiated with UV-B doses at 4.4, 8.8, and 13.1 kJ m⁻² and then kept at 15 °C in darkness. We found that a UV-B dose of at least 8.8 kJ m⁻² efficiently delayed the decrease of the hue angle value and the contents of chlorophylls a and b. Chlorophyllide a and 13²-hydroxychlorohyll a gradually decreased with senescence. Pheophorbide a and pyropheophorbide a levels were significantly higher in broccoli without UV-B treatment. Chlorophyllase and chlorophyll-degrading peroxidase activities with UV-B treatment were suppressed, as well as the activity of Mg-dechelatase. Mg-dechelating substance activity was also suppressed with this treatment. We concluded that UV-B treatment effectively suppressed chlorophyll degradation in broccoli florets during storage, suggesting that the effect could be due to the suppression of chlorophyll-degrading enzyme activities.     

Evolution of ascorbic acid and peroxidase during industrial processing of broccoli

The ascorbic acid content and peroxidase activity of raw, canned and frozen (after blanching times of 60, 90, 120 and 150 s) broccoli florets and stems were determined. The ascorbic acid content represented 1.12 and 0.78 g kg⁻¹ fresh weight in raw florets and stems respectively. After blanching (for different times) and freezing, the ascorbic acid content decreased to values of 0.55–0.56 g kg⁻¹ fresh weight in florets and 0.35–0.36 g kg⁻¹ fresh weight in stems. The industrial processing involved in canning decreased the ascorbic acid content to 0.18 g kg⁻¹ fresh weight in florets. The peroxidase activity observed in the florets and stems of raw broccoli was 308.8 and 278.6 µmol min⁻¹ per 100 g fresh weight respectively. The peroxidase activity remaining in frozen florets varied from 0.9 to 0.2%, while that in stems showed values of between 7.5 and 8.4%. These values for stems were within the range recommended for residual activity after blanching and freezing. The peroxidase activity of canned broccoli florets was practically undetectable. © 2000 Society of Chemical Industry     

葡萄糖处理对青花菜品质和抗氧化性的影响

为延缓青花菜采收后的黄化,采用不同质量分数葡萄糖处理青花菜,并对颜色参数、叶绿素含量、抗氧化
酶活性、1,1-二苯基苦基苯肼（1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl,DPPH）自由基清除能力和总酚含量进行测定。结果
表明,12%葡萄糖处理能显著延长青花菜的货架期。葡萄糖处理明显抑制了色泽角（hue angle,H）值的下降和明
度（L*）值的上升,减缓了叶绿素的降解。在贮藏期间,与对照组相比,葡萄糖处理组维持了较高水平的超氧化物
歧化酶（SOD）和过氧化氢酶（CAT）活性,较低的过氧化物酶（POD）活性,并提高了DPPH自由基清除能力和
总酚含量。     

果糖对西兰花抗氧化性及其品质的影响

为延缓西兰花采后黄化,采用不同浓度(0、4%、6%、8%、10%、12%、14%、16%)果糖处理西兰花,并对其抗氧化性和品质指标进行了测定。实验结果发现,12%果糖处理能有效地延长了西兰花的货架寿命。同时,果糖处理显著抑制了西兰花色泽角(hueangle,H)值的下降和明度(lightness,L*)值的上升,降低了叶绿素的降解速率;与对照组相比,果糖处理组维持了较高水平的超氧化物歧化酶(superoxide dismutase,SOD)、过氧化氢酶(catalase,CAT)、苯丙氨酸解氨酶(phenylalanine ammonia-lyase,PAL)和抗坏血酸过氧化物酶(ascorbate peroxidase,APX)活性,较低的过氧化物酶(peroxidase,POD)活性,并提高了DPPH自由基清除能力、蛋白质含量和总酚含量,有效的延缓了采后西兰花的衰老,抑制了其品质的劣变,为采后西兰花的贮藏保鲜技术提供了理论依据。     

MICROWAVE AND CONVENTIONAL BLANCHING EFFECTS ON CHEMICAL, SENSORY, AND COLOR CHARACTERISTICS OF FROZEN BROCCOLI

Broccoli (cv. Empress) obtained from a local supplier was blanched within 15 h of harvest. It was blanched by four methods in covered containers: conventional boiling water (1900 mL, 4 min) (BW), steam (300 mL water, 4 min) (ST), microwave heated in 1 L glass containers (60 ml water, 4 min, 700 W) (MW), and microwave heated in 1 L Seal-a-Meal^TM bags (45 ml water, 4 min) (MWB). Aliquots were frozen at -18C for 4 weeks. Fresh unblanched broccoli peroxidase activity ranged from 389 to 829 units/min; activity was essentially zero immediately after all blanching treatments. The highest reduced ascorbic acid (RAA) content occurred in fresh unblanched broccoli. Some peroxidase regeneration occurred during frozen storage. Immediately after blanching, all blanched broccoli had lower RAA content than control broccoli. MW-blanched broccoli retained the greatest amount of RAA and had appearance, visual color, texture scores, and chroma of florets and stems equivalent to ST-blanched broccoli. MW-blanched broccoli had flavor and general acceptability scores similar to BW-blanched broccoli. After 4 weeks in frozen storage, MW-blanched broccoli had the highest RAA content.     

Combined Post-harvest Treatments for Improving Quality and Extending Shelf-Life of Minimally Processed Broccoli Florets (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Brassica oleracea var. italica</Emphasis>)

Broccoli is an important source of many nutritional and bioactive compounds. However, its shelf-life is very short due to physicochemical losses and microbiological degradation. This study was undertaken to implement treatments that could improve the quality of ready-to-eat (RTE) broccoli during storage by evaluating the effect of pre-treatment with calcium chloride (CaCl₂) and alginate coating on the physicochemical and microbial properties of RTE broccoli. Broccoli florets were pre-treated with three different concentrations of CaCl₂ (1, 2.5, and 4 g L^?1), then coated with an alginate formulation (13 g L^?1) and stored at 4 °C for 24 days. Texture, color, weight loss, respiration rate, and total mesophilic flora (TMF) counts were evaluated at days 0, 3, 7, 14, and 24 of storage. The obtained results in this study showed that combining pre-treatment with calcium and alginate coating led to reducing the weight loss and respiration rate of broccoli, maintaining its color and texture as well as extending its shelf-life by 6 days. These results not only allowed reducing post-harvest losses resulting in the loss of the product but also have a major impact on the environment and resources involved in the production process.     

不同糖处理对离体青花菜抗氧化酶以及品质的影响

本文采用含有150 mmol/L葡萄糖、果糖、蔗糖的培养基对青花菜花蕾进行离体培养,研究了外源糖对青花菜抗氧化酶活性以及品质的影响。结果表明,葡萄糖、果糖、蔗糖处理均能有效延缓离体青花菜黄化和抑制叶绿素的降解,而空白组青花菜完全黄化,果糖组处理组叶绿素含量最高,是空白组的1.83倍;外源糖处理能有效提高青花菜中过氧化氢酶(catalase,CAT)、过氧化物酶(peroxidase,POD)、过氧化物歧化酶(superoxide dismutase,SOD)及抗坏血酸过氧化物酶(ascorbate peroxidase,APX)的活性,但三种糖的效果并不相同,三种糖中,果糖能维持最高水平CAT和APX活性,蔗糖则保持最高的POD、SOD活性;三种外源糖处理不能提高离体青花菜总酚含量,但均能维持离体青花菜较高水平的总糖含量、总黄酮含量,提高DPPH自由基清除率,保持了青花菜较好的品质。     

Hot air treatment decreases chlorophyll catabolism during postharvest senescence of broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. var. italica) heads

A hot air treatment was applied to broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. var. italica) florets and its effect on chlorophyll catabolism during postharvest senescence was analyzed. Florets were treated at 48 °C for 3 h and then placed in darkness at 20 °C. During storage, the yellowing of florets occurred simultaneously with a decrease in chlorophylls and an increase in pheophytins. Heat treatment delayed the appearance of yellowing by 2–3 days and a similar extension of shelf‐life could be inferred. Also, the treatment delayed the onset of chlorophyll catabolism and slowed both the rate of chlorophyll a degradation and pheophytin accumulation. No effect on chlorophyll b degradation was found. Chlorophyllase and Mg‐dechelatase activities increased from the first day of storage in untreated florets, whereas peroxidase‐linked chlorophyll bleaching activity increased from day 3. In heat‐treated florets, chlorophyllase activity did not increase until day 2 and then increased at lower rate than in controls. Mg‐dechelatase and peroxidase‐linked chlorophyll bleaching activities were similar in treated and control florets during the first 2 days of storage, but thereafter the activity of both enzymes was lower in heat‐treated samples. In conclusion, a treatment at 48 °C for 3 h delayed chlorophyll a catabolism in broccoli during postharvest senescence and decreased the activities of chlorophyllase, Mg‐dechelatase and peroxidase, three of the enzymes probably involved in chlorophyll degradation in plants. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry     

Fresh-cut broccoli florets shelf-life as affected by packaging film mass transport properties

In this work, the influence of packaging film mass transport properties on the quality loss of fresh-cut broccoli florets is addressed. The work was divided into two subsequent experimental steps; first, the selection of potential packaging films was carried out by monitoring the headspace gas concentrations in package of broccoli. Then, the mass transport properties of some previous selected films were assessed on product shelf-life. To this aim, unpackaged fresh-cut broccoli and intact broccoli wrapped in polyvinyl chloride were used as controls. Headspace gas concentration, mass loss, sensorial quality and spoilage microbial growth were monitored. The micro-perforated films were the most effective in reducing mass loss, wilting and maintaining sensory quality for a longer period. In particular, the micro-perforated film that had the lowest OTR value showed the best performance in prolonging of the product shelf-life if compared to either control samples and fresh-cut broccoli packaged in the non-perforated film. The results highlighted that an approximately 50% shelf-life increase of fresh-cut florets broccoli compared to whole broccoli, and of about 30% respect to the unpackaged fresh-cut produce was obtained.     

Effect of modified atmosphere packaging on visual quality and glucosinolates of broccoli florets

Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica) florets were packaged in polyethylene bags with no holes (M₀), two microholes (M₁), and four macroholes (M₂), and then stored at 4 or 20 °C. The effects of modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) treatments on visual quality and glucosinolate contents were determined by comparing with non-wrapped florets. The results showed that MAP treatments, especially with M₀ and M₁, extended the shelf life and reduced the postharvest deterioration of broccoli florets stored at 4 and 20 °C. All three MAP treatments reduced the decreasing concentration rates of individual, total aliphatic and indole glucosinolates in broccoli florets when compared to those in the control, with M₀ being the most significant, followed by M₁ and M₂ during 23 days of storage at 4 °C or 5 days of storage at 20 °C. Broccoli florets with M₀ treatment maintained the visual quality and glucosinolate contents for 13 days at 4 °C and 3 days at 20 °C.     

乙醇熏蒸处理对鲜切西兰花活性成分和抗氧化活性的影响

研究乙醇熏蒸处理对鲜切西兰花总酚、总黄酮、总硫代葡萄糖苷和萝卜硫素等活性成分含量及抗氧化活性的影响。先将花球在20 ℃条件下分别用体积分数为2%、5%、10%、20%乙醇溶液熏蒸处理6 h,再切割成小花并在10 ℃条件下贮藏。结果表明,10%乙醇溶液熏蒸处理可以显著延长鲜切西兰花的货架期、提高总酚和总黄酮含量、延缓总硫代葡萄糖苷和萝卜硫素含量下降,并可有效保持较高的DPPH（1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl）自由基清除能力和还原力,提高其清除超氧阴离子自由基和羟自由基能力,从而延缓西兰花采后衰老、保持较高的抗氧化活性。同时发现,总酚、总黄酮和萝卜硫素含量与DPPH自由基清除能力存在极显著的正相关性。这些结果表明乙醇熏蒸处理在鲜切西兰花保鲜中具有较好的应用前景。     

Effect of visible light treatments on postharvest senescence of broccoli (Brassica oleracea L.)

BACKGROUND: Broccoli (Brassica oleracea L.) is a rapidly perishable vegetable crop. Several postharvest treatments have been applied in order to delay de‐greening. Since light has been shown to have an effect on pigment accumulation during development and darkness is known to induce senescence, the effect of continuous and periodic exposure to low‐intensity white light at 22 °C on postharvest senescence of broccoli heads was assayed. RESULTS: Exposure to a constant dose of 12 µmol m^?2 s^?1 was selected as the most suitable treatment and was employed for subsequent experiments. During the course of the treatments, hue and L* values as well as chlorophyll content and visual observation of florets indicated an evident delay in yellowing in treated samples compared with controls. No statistically significant differences in total protein content were found, but soluble protein content was higher in treated samples. Total and reducing sugar as well as starch levels decreased during postharvest senescence, with lower values in control samples. CONCLUSION: The results of this study indicate that storage under continuous low‐intensity light is an efficient and low‐cost treatment that delays postharvest senescence while maintaining the quality of harvested broccoli florets. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry     

Effect of controlled atmospheres with varying O2/CO2 levels on the postharvest senescence and quality of broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. var. italica) florets

Controlled atmosphere (CA) has been widely used to help extend the shelf life and maintain the quality of horticultural products. In the present study, broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. cv. Youxiu) florets were stored under CA with high levels of O₂/CO₂ at 15 °C, including 100 % O₂, 80 % O₂ + 20 % CO₂, 60 % O₂ + 40 % CO₂, 40 % O₂ + 60 % CO₂, and air (control), to determine the effects of CA on storage period and on some physiological properties during storage. The results showed that compared with the control, the treatments combining O₂ and CO₂ effectively extended the storage period and inhibited respiration rate, ethylene production, and reductions in weight loss, chlorophyll, and ascorbic acid levels. Moreover, the CA treatments inhibited the increases in both superoxide radicals (O ₂ ^?· ) production rate and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) level and reduced malondialdehyde accumulation, which could be beneficial in delay of senescence by alleviation of oxidative damage. In addition, broccoli florets exposed to CA conditions maintained lower activities of superoxide dismutase and peroxidase that are responsible for scavenging of O ₂ ^?· and H₂O₂ and alleviating lipid peroxidation. Among the treatments, the maximum efficacy was observed with a CA of 40 % O₂ + 60 % CO₂, which prolonged the storage period of broccoli heads to 17 days (d) compared with 4 d under air treatment. Conversely, 100 % O₂ treatment accelerated senescence and deterioration in the quality of broccoli, resulting in a shorter storage period. These results suggest that the establishment of an appropriate CA condition with high levels of O₂/CO₂ may be an ideal strategy for maintaining the quality of broccoli florets during storage.     

采后青花菜花球抗氧化水平变化与衰老的关系

为研究采后青花菜花球抗氧化水平变化与衰老的关系,将采后青花菜花球贮藏于20℃条件下,连续4 d测定了花蕾衰老生理指标(叶绿素、蛋白质、丙二醛(MDA)含量)及抗氧化水平指标(抗坏血酸(AsA)和β-胡萝卜素(β-Car)含量、超氧化物岐化酶(SOD)、过氧化氢酶(CAT)、过氧化物酶(POD)和抗坏血酸过氧化氢酶(APX)活性)。结果表明:贮藏过程中,叶绿素和蛋白质含量逐渐减少,MDA含量逐渐增多;AsA和β-Car含量逐渐减少,SOD、CAT和POD活性逐渐升高,APX活性逐渐降低;这些抗氧化水平指标与衰老生理指标的线性相关性均在1%水平显著。说明采后青花菜花球的抗氧化水平变化与衰老密切相关。     

Effect of industrial processing on amino acid content of broccoli

The levels of amino acids in broccoli stems and florets before and after various blanching times (in the case of freezing) and after bottling have been studied to elucidate to what extent nutrient quality is affected by industrial processing. The following amino acids (mg kg^?1 fresh weight) were identified by ion exchange chromatography in raw broccoli florets: glutamine (1338), proline (732), asparagine (578), valine (310), arginine (296), isoleucine (204), threonine (169), leucine (166), phenylalanine (159), aspartic acid (140), lysine (127), alanine (122), tyrosine (105), S‐methylcysteine (96), histidine (89), ornithine (59), glutamic acid (44), γ‐aminobutyric acid (31), glycine (11) and serine (0.2). Raw stems contained the same amino acids but at lower levels (p < 0.05). The levels of all these amino acids fell during both industrial processes studied (bottling and freezing after blanching for 60, 90, 120 and 150 s), particularly in the frozen samples (losses of 50–70% in the florets and 20–50% in the stems). In summary, losses of broccoli amino acids were lower if blanching times were kept short. The optimal blanching time at 94 °C for florets and stems intended for freezing was 90 s, and this did not result in any great loss of nutritional value related to amino acid content. Bottled florets had greater nutritional value than those frozen after being exposed to the longest blanching times (120 and 150 s). © 2001 Society of Chemical Industry     

水杨酸和H2O2处理对鲜切青花菜抗氧化特性的影响

为研究外源水杨酸（salicylic acid,SA）和过氧化氢（H2O2）对鲜切青花菜的保鲜作用,用0.5 mmol/L SA和0.15 mmol/L H2O2分别浸泡处理10 min和5 min后,于20 ℃贮藏4 d期间测定抗氧化酶活性、活性氧水平、抗氧化物质含量和衰老生理指标等变化。结果发现,SA和H2O2处理可以有效保持鲜切青花菜感官品质;与贮藏期间的对照蒸馏水处理相比,SA处理的超氧化物歧化酶（SOD）、抗坏血酸过氧化物酶（APX）和过氧化物酶（POD）活性较大,过氧化氢酶（CAT）活性较小,超氧阴离子自由基（O2¯·）生成速率较小,H2O2含量较高,抗坏血酸（AsA）和类胡萝卜素（Car）含量较高,丙二醛（MDA）含量较低,叶绿素（Chl）和蛋白质（Pro）含量较高;H2O2处理的SOD、APX、POD和CTA活性较大,O2¯·生成速率和H2O2含量较低,AsA和Car含量较高,MDA含量较低,Chl和Pro含量较高;SA处理对这些抗氧化特性各指标的影响大于H2O2处理。结果表明,外源SA和H2O2处理可以有效延缓鲜切青花菜衰老和保持感官品质,作用机制与诱导改善抗氧化酶活性,减轻活性氧生物氧化有关;SA处理可抑制贮藏前期CAT活性,提高内源H2O2水平,0.5 mmol/L SA的保鲜效果好于0.15 mmol/L H2O2。     

Advances in the use of white light on broccoli and kale postharvest shelf life

In this work, the effect of irradiation with three different intensities of white light-emitting diodes (LED) on the quality and senescence of refrigerated broccoli and green and red kale was studied. A high increase in weight loss was observed in samples exposed to high (80 μmol m⁻² s⁻¹) and low (10 μmol m⁻² s⁻¹) LED intensity. Samples stored under mid-intensity (30 μmol m⁻² s⁻¹) significantly reduced the change of total color (∆E), hue angle, and lightness (L*) values. Broccoli florets and green kale subjected to mid-intensity illumination retained higher chlorophyll levels than the other treatments (P < 0.05), and about 30% more compared to the dark stored samples. These differences were even more evident in red kale. Mid-intensity illumination also markedly reduced sugar losses and improved carotenoid contents. As a whole, results show that the selected intensity of white light used for postharvest illumination has a key influence on treatment efficacy.Industrial relevancePostharvest shelf life of green vegetables is very limited and there is a need to use environmentally friendly tools to extend it. The use of white light during storage has been proven to be a clean and non-chemical methodology to delay vegetable senescence, but the appropriate illumination conditions to maximize the quality of unprocessed vegetables are still unknown. In the present work, the effect of different lighting conditions on the visual and nutraceutical quality of refrigerated broccoli and green and purple kale was studied, and the best condition was defined. The selected light intensity may be considered for fresh market storage.