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.