Extending the shelf life of kohlrabi stems by modified atmosphere packaging

ABSTRACT:  Kohlrabi stems (without leaves) were stored under modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) for 60 d at 0 °C. An additional retail sale period of 3 d at 12 °C after each cold storage evaluation (30 and 60 d) was applied. Under high relative humidity (RH) and 0 °C, the stems showed low metabolic activity, as no changes in sugars and organic acids were found. From day 21 at 0 °C, air-stored stems showed a yellowing of stalks and later they fell down. This disorder severely affected the appearance of stems. A gas composition of 4.5 to 5.5 kPa O₂ plus 11 to 12 kPa CO₂ was reached using antimist oriented polypropylene plastic bags of 20-μm thicknesses. The stems in MAP conditions kept a high sensorial quality. It was enough for commercial purpose of 2 mo. The storage of kohlrabi stems in plastic bags, either MA or in perforated (control) packages, provided an additional protection reducing physical damage. The MAP conditions delayed the weight loss and development of bacterial soft and black rot, extending the shelf life of kohlrabi stems to 60 d at 0 °C plus 3 d at 12 °C. Stems are not chilling injury sensitive.     

Changes of glucosinolates in mixed fresh-cut broccoli and cauliflower florets in modified atmosphere packaging

ABSTRACT:  Glucosinolates of broccoli and cauliflower florets were assessed to determine the effect of modified-atmosphere packaging on postharvest glucosinolate dynamics in mixed florets of Brassica vegetables. Mixed-packaged broccoli and cauliflower florets stored in food trays sealed with 2 different microperforated biaxial-oriented polypropylene films for up to 7 d at 8 °C were analyzed. Both applied modified atmospheres (1% O₂+ 21% CO₂; 8% O₂+ 14% CO₂) maintained aliphatic glucosinolates in cauliflower florets, whereas in broccoli florets, the aliphatic glucosinolate concentration decreased slightly in each modified atmosphere. In addition, total indole glucosinolate concentration for both broccoli and cauliflower florets was maintained, and even increased in cauliflower florets at 1% O₂+ 21% CO₂ due to rising neoglucobrassicin concentration. Thus, to simultaneously maintain glucosinolates and external appearance as well as to prevent off-odor, a modified atmosphere of 1% O₂+ 21% CO₂ provides a suitable environment for storage of this Brassica floret medley for up to 7 d at 8°C.     

Modified atmosphere packaging improved quality of kohlrabi stems

To improve the keeping quality of the kohlrabi stems and avoiding wilting of the leaves, modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) with oriented polypropylene and amide-polyethylene copolymer bags was applied. Avoiding wilting of the kohlrabi leaves is crucial because European consumers consider the freshness of kohlrabi leaves as a key quality parameter. Whole kohlrabies were stored within, above-mentioned sealed bags, for 14 days at 0 °C and 95% RH, followed by 3 days at 10 °C. In the MA packages gas compositions of about 5 kPa O₂ and 10-15 kPa CO₂ were generated. The respiratory activity, C₂H₄ production, firmness (of stems and leaves), sugars, organic acids contents, as well as chemical and sensory quality attributes were monitored. The respiratory rate of the kohlrabi stems in air at 0 °C was 10-11 mg CO₂/kg/h with a C₂H₄ production lower than 0.05 μl/kg/h (traces). However, when the temperature was increased at 10 °C the respiration rate raised 3.5 folds. Acidity, pH, soluble solids, sugars and organic acids content and firmness did not show significant changes at the end of both cold storage and retail sale periods. MAP was very effective improving keeping quality of the stems and retarding wilting of the leaves. During the retail sale period at 10 °C, the bags must to be perforated to avoid anaerobic conditions.     

Quality and shelf-life of washed fresh-cut asparagus in modified atmosphere packaging

Fresh-cut asparagus is one of the most popular fresh vegetables for healthy consumption. However, the level of microbial load in the raw vegetable can cause food poisoning and shorten its shelf-life of asparagus. The objectives of this work were to determine the effect of chlorinated and ozonated water in the washing process to reduce the microbial load on fresh green asparagus and the effect of modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) on asparagus quality. Washing at 10 °C for 15 min with chlorinated water (100 mg/L free Cl₂) reduced aerobic plate count which had higher efficiency on microbial reduction than the use of ozonated water (0.1 mg/L O₃). No significant differences on the amount of Escherichia coli contamination among washing methods were found. Asparagus in modified atmosphere packaging retarded the deterioration process. Changes in hue angle followed a first-order kinetic reaction. Temperature dependence of the kinetic rate constant during storage time of asparagus obeyed the Arrhenius relationship with an activation energy (E_a) 29.33 ± 4.60 kJ/mol. The shelf-life prediction equation was related well with real practice. The combination of appropriate washing process and MAP increased the food safety, maintained the quality and prolonged the shelf-life of asparagus.     

Shelf-life of Domiati cheese under modified atmosphere packaging

The present study describes the effects of modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) on shelf-life extension, chemical, microbiological, and sensory properties of Domiati cheese. Five different MAP were studied [10% CO₂/90% N₂ (G1), 15% CO₂/85% N₂ (G2), 25% CO₂/75% N₂ (G3), 100% CO₂ (G4), and 100% N₂ (G5)]. Control samples were packaged in air (CA) and under vacuum. In both groups of cheeses, chemical analysis was significantly affected by MAP during cold storage. Ripening indexes were significantly affected by MAP during cold storage. Microbiological data showed that G4, followed by G5, were the most effective groups inhibiting the growth of total aerobic mesophilic and psychrotrophic bacteria, and yeasts and molds until the end of storage. Sensory evaluation was significantly affected by MAP and storage period, at 45 d CA cheese samples were judged as unacceptable. The best sensory properties were obtained in G5, G4, and G3 treatments, and recorded a relatively higher sensory evaluation scores. The best shelf-life extension was obtained in G5, G4, and G3 treatments.     

Innovative active modified atmosphere packaging improves overall quality of fresh-cut red chard baby leaves

The antimicrobial effects and quality changes of O₂, He, N₂ or N₂O-enriched active modified atmosphere packaging -MAP- (100 kPa initial gas partial pressure) compared to a chlorinated −100 mg L⁻¹ NaClO- passive MAP (control) in fresh-cut Red Chard baby leaves up to 8 days at 5 °C were studied. High O₂ MAP (>85 kPa O₂) inhibited natural microflora growth during 7 days at 5 °C. Regarding control treatment, no differences for He and N₂O-enriched MAPs on microbial growth were found although control samples were previously disinfected. Initial total phenolics content (613 mg ChAE kg⁻¹ fw) increased up to 61-93% after 6 days at 5 °C under O₂, He, and N₂-enriched MAPs. Vitamin C content decreased up to 67% after shelf life in control samples while lower decreases were monitored in samples stored under non-conventional MAPs. He-enriched MAP preserved the total chlorophylls content throughout shelf life. After 8 days at 5 °C the overall sensory quality of all treatments showed a moderate decrease while still being scored at the limit of usability. In conclusion, He and O₂-enriched MAPs are useful tools in the preservation of fresh-cut Red Chard quality.     

Effect of temperature and modified atmosphere packaging on overall quality of fresh-cut bell peppers

The effect of vacuum packaging (VP) and modified atmosphere packaging without vacuum (MAP) on shelf-life of fresh-cut green bell pepper stored at 5°C and 10°C were evaluated. In-package atmosphere, overall quality, percentage of leaked juice, texture, ascorbic acid content, ethanol and acetaldehyde, and microbial growth, were evaluated at different intervals of storage. MAP-fresh-cut peppers presented better visual quality, less leaked juice and higher firmness than those stored under VP. Microbiological and quality analysis revealed a limit of shelf-life of 14 and 21 days, when fresh-cut peppers were stored at 10°C and 5°C, respectively. We conclude that MAP could be used to maintain quality attributes of fresh-cut peppers for up 21 days at 5°C.     

Sensory quality and internal atmosphere of fresh-cut Golden Delicious apples

The sensory shelf‐life of Golden Delicious fresh‐cut apples, dipped in 10 g L^?1 ascorbic acid and 5 g L^?1 calcium chloride and packaged under different modified atmosphere conditions, was assessed throughout refrigerated storage. An initial atmosphere of 0 kPa O₂ and plastic packages of an O₂ permeability of 15 cm³ m^?2 bar^?1 day^?1 were very effective in preserving the initial colour and firmness of apple cubes during at least 3 weeks of storage. These conditions resulted in increased respiration coefficients, which curbed the product consumer acceptance beyond the second week of storage. However, reduced ethylene and CO₂ production limited the appearance of fermentative metabolites during this period.     

低温结合气调包装处理对鲜切胡萝卜品质的影响

该研究以鲜切胡萝卜为对象,采用低温结合气调包装对鲜切胡萝卜进行处理,研究不同保鲜方式对鲜切胡萝卜品质的影响。鲜切胡萝卜经气调(气体组成分别为5%O₂+5%CO₂+90%N₂、5%O₂+10%CO₂+85%N₂、10%O₂+5%CO₂+85%N₂)包装后,(4±1)℃下在保鲜盒中贮藏,每3 d测定感官品质、失重率、可溶性固形物含量、抗坏血酸含量、胡萝卜素含量、菌落总数、丙二醛(malondialdehyde,MDA)含量和以及超氧化物歧化酶(superoxide dismutase,SOD)和过氧化氢酶(catalase,CAT)活性等指标。结果表明,低温结合5%O₂+10%CO₂+85%N₂气调包装处理组有效地保持了鲜切胡萝卜的品质,减少了水分的流失,延缓了营养物质可溶性固形物、胡萝卜素以及抗坏血酸含量的下降,抑制了MDA含量...     

高氧气调包装对鲜切胡萝卜的保鲜效果

研究了不同氧分压条件对鲜切胡萝卜保鲜效果的影响,评定其在贮藏过程中感官品质、呼吸强度、PPO、POD、PAL活性的变化。结果表明,40%氧气包装不适合鲜切胡萝卜贮藏保鲜。100%氧气包装的保鲜效果最好,可有效抑制鲜切胡萝卜呼吸强度以及PPO、POD、PAL的活性。60%、80%氧气包装的保鲜效果次之,但均可起到保鲜的作用。      

酸性电解水联合气调包装对鲜切生菜品质的影响

以鲜切散叶生菜为研究对象,在4℃贮藏条件下研究酸性电解水联合气调包装对其保鲜效果的影响。研究表明:与pH 2.3、有效氯含量为60 mg/L的酸性电解水联合空气包装(21%O_2+1%CO_2)的对照组相比,电解水联合气调包装可以有效抑制鲜切生菜微生物的生长繁殖,延缓水分和VC的损失,抑制新陈代谢和可溶性固形物含量的减少,抑制叶绿素的分解,延缓褐变黄化的速度,保持鲜绿的外观,维持鲜切生菜的感官品质。采用酸性电解水联合气调包装(5%O_2和10%CO_2)可以将鲜切生菜的货架期从6~9d延长到15d,并保持良好的感官品质。     

Behavior of flavonols and carotenoids of minimally processed kale leaves during storage in passive modified atmosphere packaging

Minimally processed kale leaves were packed in passive modified atmosphere and stored at 3 conditions: 1 °C in the dark and 11 °C with or without light exposure. The products were evaluated during storage in terms of headspace gas composition, sensory attributes, flavonol, and carotenoid contents. The sensory quality decreased slightly during 17 d at 1 °C in the dark. At 11 °C, the vegetable shelf life was predicted to be 6 d in the dark and 3 d with light. Quercetin and kaempferol were stable during storage for 15 d at 1 °C in the absence of light. At 11 °C in the dark, quercetin was stable during 10 d, increasing slightly on the 8th day. Kaempferol decreased up to the 5th day but increased on the 8th day, decreasing again on the 10th day. After 5 d at 11 °C under light, the flavonol levels were significantly higher than those of the initial values. Neoxanthin and violaxanthin did not change significantly after 15 d at 1 °C in the dark. Lutein and β-carotene, however, decreased 7.1% and 11.3%, respectively. At 11 °C in the dark, neoxanthin, violaxanthin, lutein, and β-carotene decreased 16.1%, 13.2%, 24.1%, and 23.7% after 10 d, respectively. At 11 °C under light, neoxanthin and lutein had a slight increase while violaxanthin and β-carotene decreased 23.1% and 16.5% after 5 d. Practical Application: Passive modified atmosphere packaging together with refrigeration can extend the shelf life of minimally processed kale, retaining the health-promoting compounds, flavonols and carotenoids. Quercetin, kaempferol, neoxanthin, and violaxanthin are stable and lutein and β-carotene slightly reduced.     

Quality of fresh‐cut baby spinach grown under a floating trays system as affected by nitrogen fertilisation and innovative packaging treatments

BACKGROUND: Alternative techniques for cultivation of leafy vegetables such as a floating tray system and unconventional gas mixtures for post‐harvest active modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) could be of interest in the minimally processed vegetable industry. RESULTS: The combined effect of three pre‐harvest fertilisation doses (8, 12 or 16 mmol N L^?1) and three post‐harvest MAP conditions (passive, super‐atmospheric or N₂O‐enriched) on the main quality attributes of fresh‐cut baby spinach leaves throughout 10 days at 5 °C was studied. After 8 days of shelf life, spinach leaves fertilised with 8 and 16 mmol N L^?1 and stored under N₂O‐enriched MAP showed the lowest microbial growth, with good sensory quality. Such combined treatments also preserved the total antioxidant capacity sampled at harvest (8 g ascorbic acid equivalent antioxidant capacity kg^?1 f.w.). A decrease of 10–20% in total vitamin C content regardless of N fertilisation and packaging treatment was found during shelf life. Total phenolics content at harvest was 2 g gallic acid equivalents kg^?1 f.w., which was slightly decreased or preserved during shelf life while total chlorophylls were preserved for all treatments assayed around 550 mg kg^?1 f.w. CONCLUSION: No clear effect of fertilisation doses was observed during post‐harvest storage on overall quality of fresh‐cut baby spinach leaves, while N₂O‐enriched atmospheres seems to be a promising alternative to passive MAP for extending shelf life. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry     

Modelling the respiration rate of fresh-cut Annurca apples to develop modified atmosphere packaging

In this work, the effect of temperature, oxygen, red coloration process and post-harvest storage time on the respiration rate of fresh-cut Annurca apples was studied to properly develop modified atmosphere packaging. Our results showed that the red coloration process and the post-harvest storage time did not affect the respiration rate or the respiratory quotient of fresh-cut Annurca apples in the range of temperature studied (5–20 °C). A Michaelis–Menten-type equation, with the model constants described by means of an Arrhenius-type relationship, was used for predicting respiration rate on varying the temperature and O₂ concentration in the head space. The maximal respiration rate (mL kg h⁻¹) (RR_max) and the O₂% corresponding to     values estimated at the reference temperature (12.5 °C), i.e. the average of the experimental temperature ranges, were, respectively, 6.77 ± 0.1 mL kg⁻¹ h⁻¹ and 0.68 ± 0.07% v/v, and the activation energy of the aerobic respiration rate of fresh-cut Annurca apples was estimated at 51 ± 1 kJ mol⁻¹. The model works well to develop a modified atmosphere for fresh-cut Annurca apples.     

Equilibrium modified atmosphere packaging of wild strawberries

Wild strawberries (Fragaria vesca L.) are high‐added‐value fruits but their marketing is complex owing to their short postharvest life. In this work, equilibrium modified atmosphere packaging (EMAP) technology was used to maintain their quality and consequently to extend their life. Fresh strawberries were packaged with two continuous and three microperforated films (with different gas permeabilities) with the purpose of obtaining equilibrium atmospheres of diverse compositions. Weight loss, pH and acidity, solid content, colour, firmness, fungal decay and development of off‐flavours were selected to monitor fruit quality during 6 days at 10 °C. Among the five packages tested, microperforated films with one and three perforations provided adequate CO₂ and O₂ equilibrium concentrations in view of the evolution of chemical and physical quality parameters. These results were confirmed by sensory analysis. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry     

Effect of ripeness on the shelf-life of fresh-cut melon preserved by modified atmosphere packaging

Fresh-cut ‘Piel de Sapo’ melon was processed at different ripeness stages and stored under modified atmosphere packaging for 35 days at 5 °C. Raw material firmness and soluble solids content ranged from 6.5 to 3.9 N and 11.1 to 14.3 °Brix, respectively. The effects of a 2.5 kPa O₂+7 kPa CO₂ packaging atmosphere and a dip of 1% ascorbic acid and 0.5% calcium chloride on physiology, microbiological stability as well as color and firmness were evaluated. An intermediate stage of ripeness at processing was the most suitable to extend the shelf-life of fresh-cut ‘Piel de Sapo’ melon. Green-mature fresh-cut melon reduced CO₂ accumulation and ethanol production. In addition, a treatment with ascorbic acid and calcium chloride in combination with modified atmosphere packaging, contributed to a greater extension of the shelf-life of fresh-cut melon than that reported for fruits stored under non-modified atmosphere, slowing down the growth of microbial populations, maintaining the original color and reducing softness. Thus, the shelf-life of green-mature fresh-cut ‘Piel de Sapo’ melon dipped in an ascorbic acid and calcium chloride solution and packaged under modified atmosphere was about 10 days.     

臭氧水处理结合气调包装对鲜切生菜保鲜效果的影响

研究臭氧水处理结合气调包装对鲜切生菜在4℃贮藏下的保鲜效果。结果表明,臭氧水处理结合气调包装相比于对照组可以有效抑制鲜切生菜组织中细菌的生长繁殖、水分的流失、叶的降解以及多酚氧化酶的活性,降低鲜切生菜腐败、萎蔫、黄化、褐变的速度,维持鲜切生菜的感官品质,同时也有效抑制了鲜切生菜中VC的氧化分解,延长了货架期,使鲜切生菜在贮藏第14天仍具商品价值。另外,研究结果显示在适当低浓度(5%~10%)的O2和CO2比例范围内,经过长时间(6d以上)贮藏后,不同的气调比例对鲜切生菜品质没有显著的影响。     

Recent advances in modified atmosphere packaging and edible coatings to maintain quality of fresh-cut fruits and vegetables

Processing of fruits and vegetables generates physiological stresses in the still living cut tissue, leading to quality deterioration and shorter shelf life as compared with fresh intact produces. Several strategies can be implemented with the aim to reduce the rate of deterioration of fresh-cut commodities. Such strategies include low temperature maintenance from harvest to retail and the application of physical and chemical treatments such as modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) with low O₂ and high CO₂ levels and antioxidant dips. Other technologies such as edible coatings with natural additives, new generation of coatings using nanotechnological solutions such as nanoparticles, nanoencapsulation, and multilayered systems, and nonconventional atmospheres such as the use of pressurized inert/noble gases and high levels of O₂ have gained a lot of interest as a possibility to extend the shelf life of minimally processed fruits and vegetables. However, the high perishability of these products challenges in many cases their marketability by not achieving sufficient shelf life to survive the distribution system, requiring the combination of treatments to assure safety and quality. This review reports the recent advances in the use of MAP, edible coatings, and the combined effect of both technologies to extend the shelf life of fresh-cut fruits and vegetables.     

Browning,polyphenol oxidase activity and headspace gas composition during storage of minimally processed pears using modified atmosphere packaging

Modified atmosphere packaging was used to prevent browning of minimally processed Conference pears, thus extending their shelf‐life. Colour changes as well as PPO activity were strongly influenced by the package headspace gas composition, which was determined by the packaging conditions. The initial colour of minimally processed pears was preserved for several weeks under cold storage in plastic pouches of very low O₂ permeability and an initial atmosphere of 100% N₂. A fractional conversion kinetic model fitted the experimental browning data with high accuracy. Colour degradation (ΔE*) of minimally processed pears occurred exponentially (k_ΔE = 0.019–0.077 day^?1) owing to changes in lightness (k_L = 0.021–0.07 day^?1). In contrast, PPO exhibited a linear increase in activity which could be related to the availability of O₂ in the package headspace. © 2002 Society of Chemical Industry