Enzymatic and non‐enzymatic antioxidant systems of minimally processed cactus stems (Opuntia ficus‐indica Mill.) packaged under modified atmospheres

The aim of this work was to determine the enzymatic activities of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) together with the total phenolic and carotenoid contents and antioxidant capacity of two cultivars of cactus stems under modified atmosphere packaging containing a passive atmosphere, an active (with N₂) atmosphere and control (unsealed polyurethane trays) all stored at 4 ± 1 °C. Results indicated that Atlixco cultivar cactus stems had a shelf life that was twice as long (20 days) than that of Milpa Alta cultivar under N₂ MAP. The total enzyme activities of SOD, APX and CAT as well as the carotenoid content were higher in Atlixco than in Milpa Alta. The antioxidant enzymatic and non‐enzymatic systems as well as the antioxidant capacity and the phenolic content retention determined in Atlixco cactus stems under N₂ MAP appear to explain the longer postharvest life of this cultivar.     

Shelf life of fresh-cut Cime di rapa (Brassica rapa L.) as affected by packaging

In this work, the effectiveness of different packaging in prolonging the shelf life of fresh-cut Cime di rapa (Brassica rapa L.) was addressed. Two subsequent experimental trials were run to investigate first the ability of different packaging materials (an oriented polypropylene, a blend of biodegradable polyesters and a nylon/polyethylene multilayer) in delaying the quality loss and then to assess the efficacy of modified atmosphere packaging (MAP). Two different combinations of gas were investigated, oxygen 10%, carbon dioxide 2% and nitrogen 88%, noted as MAP1 and oxygen 8%, carbon dioxide 2% and nitrogen 90%, noted as MAP2. Headspace gas concentration, weight loss, spoilage microbial growth, pH and sensorial quality were monitored in both sets of experiments. The results demonstrated that the best performances under ordinary atmosphere were recorded with the oriented polypropylene-based film, justifying the choice of this polymeric material in the second set-up. The tested MAPs exerted somewhat different results on product quality: the samples packaged under MAP1 recorded a shelf life of 14 days limited by visible moulds, whereas, fresh-cut leaves sealed under MAP2 highlighted a shelf life less than 9 days, due to a high proliferation of total mesophilic bacteria.     

New strategies for minimally processed cactus pear packaging

This work presents a preliminary study on the packaging procedures to prolong the shelf life of minimally processed cactus pears. In particular, different packaging strategies were tested by combining coating and hydro-gels to different polymeric materials. Monitoring headspace gas concentrations, viable cell load of main spoilage microorganisms, sensory characteristics and weight loss, the quality decay in each packaging system was assessed. Results showed that the immersion of fresh-cut fruit into both hydro-gels strongly reduced the shelf life, most probably due to water migration from the surrounding hydro-gel to the crop. On the contrary, the coating prolonged the shelf life of the minimally processed fruit to about 13 days, corresponding to an increase of about 40%, compared to the control sample. Results also suggested that the barrier properties of the selected films did not affect greatly the quality of the coated fresh-cut produce.Industrial relevanceThe market of ready-to-eat fruit has grown rapidly in recent years. As a consequence, there is an emergent call for finding new preservation strategies to prolong the shelf life of minimally processed food, without compromising human and environmental safety. The results of this work dealing with minimally processed cactus pears represented an interesting goal with potential industrial applications. In fact, this paper combined the effectiveness of a natural coating applied to fresh-cut fruit to the performance of a bio-based polymeric packaging film.     

Lysozyme/EDTA disodium salt and modified-atmosphere packaging to prolong the shelf life of burrata cheese

To prolong the shelf life of burrata cheese, we evaluated the effects of lysozyme and EDTA disodium salt (Na₂-EDTA) with or without modified-atmosphere packaging (MAP) conditions. In particular, 3 concentrations of enzyme were combined with packaging in air and under MAP (95:5 CO₂:N₂). The decline in quality of burrata cheese stored at 8°C was assessed by monitoring microbiological and sensory quality, in addition to pH and headspace composition. The combination of lysozyme/Na₂-EDTA and MAP prolonged cheese shelf life, especially at the highest lysozyme concentration. In particular, the tested strategy was effective against microbial spoilage phenomena that appeared to be the quality factor that determine product unacceptability.     

不同条件对‘巴西蕉’和‘南天黄’香蕉后熟的影响

‘南天黄’为性状优良且抗枯萎病的香蕉新品种,其后熟条件与传统栽培品种‘巴西蕉’不同,然而生产中常以统一做法对‘南天黄’进行催熟,易造成生产误判。为提高香蕉品质,延长货架期,本研究以500 mg/L乙烯利喷雾处理后的‘南天黄’与‘巴西蕉’果实为材料,实验分为（22±2）℃处理组（T2）、（22±2）℃＋双向拉伸聚丙烯（biaxially oriented polypropylene,BOPP）薄膜包装处理组（T-2）、17 ℃处理组（T1）、17 ℃＋BOPP薄膜包装处理组（T-1）,观察果皮色差、果肉硬度、果实质量损失率、可溶性固形物质量分数的变化和货架期的特点,以此制定‘南天黄’合理催熟方案。T1、T-1处理组‘南天黄’褪绿转黄（催熟时间）比‘巴西蕉’早1 d,T1处理组‘南天黄’比‘巴西蕉’货架期长2 d;T2处理组‘南天黄’褪绿转黄比‘巴西蕉’迟1 d,货架期长2 d;与T2处理组相比,T1处理组香蕉后熟末期硬度、色差L*值、C*值、a*值更大,货架期长2 d,但后熟后颜色不如T2处理组的鲜黄;BOPP包装延缓了褪绿转黄,使催熟时间延长4 d,货架期缩短。因此前期高温（21 ℃）后期低温（17 ℃）是‘南天黄’获得较好的货架品质和货架期的后熟条件。     

STORAGE QUALITY OF MINIMALLY PROCESSED CABBAGE PACKAGED IN PLASTIC FILMS

The effects of packaging and storage at 3C in a refrigerated case on quality changes of minimally processed cabbage were studied. Shredded cabbage samples were packaged in three forms: bags of monooriented polypropylene film (OPP bags) and polyethylene trays overwrapped with a multilayer polyolefin (RD106-PE tray) or with a plasticized PVC film (PVC-PE tray). All types of package effectively controlled the weight loss. The modified atmosphere in PVC-and RD106- PE trays did not change more than 3% as compared with normal atmosphere levels. However, in OPP bags, O₂ reached 2% and CO₂ increased to approximately 13% after 3 days. The microbiological quality during the storage period for all types of packaging was satisfactory. OPP samples were significantly better (p <0.05) in general appearance, wilting and browning but developed an off-odor. No off-odor was detected in samples packaged in PVC and RD106-PE trays. Shelf life for the three packaging forms was estimated.     

Active coating and modified-atmosphere packaging to extend the shelf life of Fior di Latte cheese

In this work the combination of active coating and modified-atmosphere packaging (MAP) was used to prolong the shelf life of Fior di Latte cheese. The active coating was based on sodium alginate (8% wt/vol) containing lysozyme (0.25 mg/mL) and EDTA, disodium salt (Na₂-EDTA, 50 mM). The MAP was made up of 30% CO₂, 5% O₂, and 65% N₂. The speed of quality loss for the Fior di Latte cheese, stored at 10°C, was assessed by monitoring pH and weight loss, as well as microbiological and sensorial changes. Results showed that the combination of active coating and MAP improved Fior di Latte cheese preservation, increasing the shelf life to more than 3 d. In addition, the substitution of brine with coating could allow us to gain a double advantage: both preserving the product quality and reducing the cost of its distribution, due to the lower weight of the package.     

Minimally processed butternut squash shelf life

The effects of dipping in antimicrobial solution and efficacy of proper film and modified atmosphere packaging conditions (MAP) on the quality decay of packaged fresh-cut butternut squash were investigated. The work was divided into three subsequent experimental trials: the first two were aimed to select the optimal packaging film mass transport properties, being micro-perforated and no-perforated films been tested. In the third experimental step, the best film (i.e., no-perforated oriented polypropylene, OPP40) was used to package sliced butternut squash under passive and active MAP. Each slice of product was dipped in aqueous solution of potassium sorbate, while no dipped samples were stored as the controls. During storage at refrigerated temperature (4 ± 1 °C) headspace gas concentrations, mass loss, microbiological and sensory quality were monitored. Results obtained from the preliminary pre-screening showed that micro-perforated films did not match fresh-cut butternut squash respiratory requirements. In these films a high proliferation of moulds occurred, probably due to elevated oxygen levels. Among the no-perforated films with different thickness, the OPP40 showed better performances. In the third trial samples dipped in potassium sorbate and packaged in OPP40 under active MAP recorded a shelf-life of about 22 days respect to the no-dipped samples packaged under both passive and active MAP that reached a shelf life of about 2 weeks.     

Sweet cherries from farm to table: A review

In order to enable long-distance transportation and ensure that the fruit presents the requisite quality on arrival at markets, the cherry industry for direct consumption needs to prolong post-harvest shelf life. Sweet cherries are highly perishable, non-climacteric fruits with shelf life of 7–14 days in cold storage. Their shelf life is shortened by loss of firmness, color and flavor, stem discoloration, desiccation and mould growth. Various factors such as harvest time, proper handling and cooling practices and above all packaging, greatly influence the shelf life of cherries. One of the areas of research that has shown promise, and had success, is modified atmosphere packaging (MAP). It is one of the fastest growing packaging technologies and has many advantages for different food products. Properly designed modified atmosphere packs can be exploited to lower respiration rates and thus ripening of fruits which results in least changes in physiochemical parameters of sweet cherries during postharvest storage. This paper intended to review a broad spectrum of studies dealt with the use of MAP for preservation of sweet cherries cultivars with an interest for future research work.     

Ready-to-eat sweet cherries: Study on different packaging systems

In this study the influence of different packaging systems on quality loss of ready-to-use cherries was assessed. In particular, the fruits were packaged in oriented polypropylene-based bag and in a bio-based polymeric matrix under ordinary and modified atmosphere conditions (MAP). Cherries quality during storage was determined by monitoring headspace gas concentration, weight loss, titrable acidity, total soluble solids, maturity index, antocyanins level, pH, viable cell load of various microbial groups and sensory quality. Results suggest that under ordinary atmosphere conditions, OPP shows the best performances. Otherwise, under MAP, both investigated films exert similar effects on the portioned fruit.

Industrial relevance

Due to changes in consumer attitudes, ready-to-use fruit market has grown rapidly in recent years. At the same time there is a real need to prevent the environmental pollution provoked by packaging material. Therefore, the combination of a biodegradable film to modified atmosphere packaging could gain widespread acceptance by the industry. This paper, in fact, suggests effective packaging solution to delay the quality decay kinetic of ready-to-use cherries.     

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     

A comparative study on the effect of packaging material and storage environment on shelf life of fresh bell-pepper

The effect of packaging materials [low density polyethylene (LDPE), polypropylene (PP)] and storage environment [modified atmospheric packaging (MAP)] on shelf life enhancement of bell pepper in terms of quality attributes such as physiological weight loss, ascorbic acid, texture, surface colour and subjective quality analysis have been studied at ambient and refrigerated condition. Different packaging techniques used for the experiment were MAP with LDPE, MAP with PP, MAP in perforated LDPE films, MAP in perforated PP films, shrink packaging with bi-axially oriented PP (BOPP) film and vacuum packaging with PP film. The in-pack bell pepper created a suitable headspace environment with low O₂ and high CO₂ concentrations, which resulted in a better retention of freshness of the vegetables and its marketability. Shrink packaging with BOPP film could not yield better result under ambient storage because of high water vapor transmission rate of the film and consequently loss of turgidity of the vegetables. Among different packaging techniques and storage conditions, MAP with PP film in refrigerated condition was found to be the best followed by vacuum pack with PP film in refrigerated condition and could be used to store for 20 days for bell pepper with maintenance of texture, colour, ascorbic acid and marketability. It is also inferred that under ambient conditions, bell pepper could be stored for 4 days using ventilated LDPE and PP as MAP storage. Further studies are needed to evaluate the sensory aspects, as well as to microbiological evaluation to characterize the fresh bell pepper during storage.     

Combined effect of active coating and modified atmosphere packaging on prolonging the shelf life of low-moisture Mozzarella cheese

In this work, the effect of active coating on the shelf life of low-moisture Mozzarella cheese packaged in air and modified atmosphere (MAP) was studied. The active coating was based on sodium alginate (2%, wt/vol) and potassium sorbate (1%, wt/vol). The MAP was made up of 75% CO₂ and 25% N₂ (MAP1), 25% CO₂ and 75% N₂ (MAP2), or 50% CO₂ and 50% N₂ (MAP3). The product quality decay was assessed by monitoring microbiological and sensory changes during storage at 4, 8, and 14°C. Results showed that the combination of active coating and MAP was able to improve the preservation of low-moisture Mozzarella cheese. Specifically, the shelf life increased up to 160 d for samples stored at 4°C, and 40 and 11 d for those at 8 and 14°C, respectively. A faster quality decay for untreated samples packaged in air was observed. In particular, the Pseudomonas spp. growth and the appearance of molds were responsible for product unacceptability. The combination of active coating and MAP represents a strategic solution to prolong the shelf life of low-moisture Mozzarella cheese and to ensure the safety of the product under thermal abuse conditions.     

Evaluation of PLA nanocomposite films on physicochemical and microbiological properties of refrigerated cottage cheese

A novel antimicrobial packaging system was prepared by incorporating TiO₂ or Ag nanoparticles into poly(lactic acid) (PLA) matrix. The effect of PLA, PLA/TiO₂, and PLA/TiO₂ + Ag film on the physicochemical and microbiological properties of Yunnan cottage cheese stored at 5 ± 1 °C for 25 days was investigated. The low density polyethylene (LDPE) film was used as the control. The weight loss, pH value, lactic acid bacteria count (LAB), texture, sensory quality, and antimicrobial activity were determined. Cheeses packed by PLA/TiO₂ and PLA/TiO₂+Ag film provided better retention in pH value, LAB, sensory quality, and antimicrobial activity compared with those packed by PLA and LDPE film. Migration of Ti and Ag nanoparticles was lower than the limit of 10 mg/kg as defined by EFSA for food contact materials. The results indicated that the incorporation of TiO₂ or Ag nanoparticles into PLA matrix could maintain cheese quality and prolong its shelf life to 25 days.

Practical applications

Yunnan cottage cheese is one of the most popular cheeses in China. However, the shelf life of unpacked Yunnan cottage cheese is only 5–7 days under refrigerated condition. PLA film incorporated with antimicrobial TiO₂ or Ag nanoparticles has great potential to prolong cheese shelf life. The novel packaging material may be an effective alternative for cheese preservation.     

Shelf life extension of durum semolina‐based fresh pasta

In this work, the combined effects of chitosan, modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) and packaging barrier properties on shelf life of fresh pasta is presented. In particular, all pasta samples were packaged under active and passive MAP in two different polymeric films with high and low barrier properties. In order to assess the influence of the variables described beforehand on the shelf life of pasta, the sensorial and microbiological quality has been monitored during storage. Results confirmed the antimicrobial properties of chitosan. Moreover, the findings recorded in this study suggest that the shelf life of fresh pasta is limited by the sensorial characteristics. Statistically significant differences between the shelf life of pasta packaged in low barrier and high barrier films were found. The best result was obtained for samples packaged in high barrier film, due to the ability of the packaging to maintain the gas headspace conditions during the storage.     

贮藏温度和包装材料对百合保鲜包装品质的影响

采用不同贮藏温度(30℃和5℃)和包装材料(PE、OPP、OPP/PE膜)对百合进行保鲜包装,测定不同贮藏时间下的百合球茎Vc含量、总糖含量、色差、失重率和感官品质变化。结果表明:低温能够显著抑制百合失重,保持其较好的色泽和总糖含量。不同包装材料比较,具有较高透气率的PE、OPP膜保鲜效果较好,OPP/PE膜次之。低温与包装之间有较好的协同作用。     

Microencapsulated Lactobacillus reuteri combined with modified atmosphere as a way to improve tuna burger shelf life

In this study, tuna burgers were subjected to a bio‐preservation treatment combined with modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) in order to prolong the shelf life. After L. reuteri production of reuterin, the antimicrobial compound was microencapsulated and then added to tuna burger formulation. Reuterin content was analysed before and after the spray drying treatment, thus assessing its final concentration. Then, the effects of spray‐dried reuterin on tuna burgers quality were investigated with success on samples packaged under both ordinary and MAP conditions. The efficacy of bio‐control was evident in all the samples. For burgers stored in air, a shelf life of about 7.63 days was recorded for the active samples with respect to the 5.78 days of the reuterin‐free samples. Under MAP, a similar reuterin effectiveness was recorded but a general shelf life improvement was reached, accounting for about 13 days in the active samples and 12 days in the reuterin‐free samples.     

The effects of packaging film and storage temperature on the quality of a dry coleslaw mix packaged in a modified atmosphere

Summary The effects of six packaging treatments on the quality of dry coleslaw packaged in modified atmospheres and stored at 4 and 8 °C for 9 days were determined. The coleslaw was packaged within either oriented polypropylene (OPP) or one of four microperforated OPP films, PA‐120, PA‐160, PA‐190, and PA‐210. It was also stored within punctured OPP (i.e. in air). Packaging within OPP resulted in an atmosphere with very low O₂ (<1%) and extremely high CO₂ (25–35%) levels. These storage conditions had detrimental effects on the quality of coleslaw: loss of firmness, falling pH, high cell permeability and exudate, high surface moisture and poor acceptability of aroma. By contrast, the microperforated films generated less atmosphere modification; in some cases this was insufficiently modified to be technically useful. The relatively high O₂ levels in these microperforated packs resulted in lower appearance and colour scores, increased surface dryness and higher firmness values. Increasing storage temperature from 4 to 8 °C resulted in a reduction in shelf‐life for all film types. While still not optimal, packaging within microperforated films allowed better preservation of quality and reduced cell membrane damage.     

Keeping quality and safety of minimally fresh processed melon

Fresh-cut Amarillo melon was stored under passive modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) for 14 days at 5 °C. Three commercial films were tested: microperforated polypropylene (MPP), bioriented PP (BPP), and oriented PP (OPP). As a control, a macroperforated PP film was used. The effect of a citric acid dip treatment (0.52 mM) on the quality of the melon pieces packaged in OPP film was also evaluated. A similar final gas composition (4 kPa O2 plus 12–13 kPa CO2) within packages was achieved by using the three tested films. This atmosphere was effective for maintaining sensorial quality and microbial safety and for avoiding weight loss and translucency. When citric acid dip was applied, a reduction of microbial counts, a low discoloration, an increase of lightness, and a general improvement of visual appearance were found. However, after 14 days of storage, neither MAP treatments nor citric acid dip were enough to avoid softening of at least 23%, although the highest value (32%) was found in control pieces. Taking into account safety, quality attributes and consumer acceptance, shelf life of fresh processed melon stored under the studied MAP conditions could be stabilised for 10 days.     

Shelf life of ready to use peeled shrimps as affected by thymol essential oil and modified atmosphere packaging

In this work the influence of different packaging strategies on the shelf life of ready to use peeled shrimps was investigated. First, the effectiveness of the coating (Coat) and the active coating loaded with different concentrations of thymol (Coat-500, Coat-1000, and Coat-1500) on the quality loss of the investigated food product packaged in air was addressed; afterwards, the thymol concentration that had shown the best performance was used in combination with MAP (5% O₂; 95% CO₂). Microbial cell load of main spoilage microorganisms, pH and sensorial quality were monitored during the refrigerated storage. Results of the first step suggested that the sole coating did not affect the microbial growth. A slight antimicrobial effect was obtained when the coating was loaded with thymol and a concentration dependence was also observed. Moreover, the active coating was effective in minimizing the sensory quality loss of the investigated product, it was particularly true at the lowest thymol concentration. In the second step, the thymol concentration (1000 ppm) that showed the strike balance between microbial and sensorial quality was chosen in combination with MAP. As expected, MAP significantly affected the growth of the mesophilic bacteria. In particular, a cell load reduction of about 2 log cycle for the samples under MAP respect to that in air was obtained. Moreover, the MAP packaging inhibited the growth of the Pseudomonas spp. and hydrogen sulphide-producing bacteria. The MAP alone was not able to improve the shelf life of the uncoated samples. In fact, no significant difference between the control samples packaged in air and MAP was observed. Whilst, the use of coating under MAP condition prolonged the shelf life of about 6 days with respect to the same samples packaged in air. Moreover, when the MAP was used in combination with thymol, a further shelf life prolongation with respect to the samples packaged in air was observed. In particular, a shelf life of about 14 days for the active coating under MAP compared to the same samples in air (5 days) was obtained.