CONTROLLED ATMOSPHERE STORAGE AFFECTS QUALITY AND CHILLING SUSCEPTIBILITY OF CUCUMBERS |
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Authors: | CHIEN YI WANG LING QI |
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Affiliation: | Horticultural Crops Quality Laboratory Plant Science Institute Beltsville Agricultural Research Center ARS, U.S. Department of Agriculture Beltsville, MD 20705–2350 |
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Abstract: | Controlled atmospheres (CA) maintained the quality of cucumbers better than conventional refrigerated storage at 5C. Elevated levels of CO2 (3%) and decreased concentrations of O2 (1 and 15%) also increased the tolerance of cucumbers to chilling exposure. The content of sugars, including fructose and glucose; and organic acids, particularly malic acid, were maintained at higher levels in CA-stored cucumbers than in air-stored samples. The respiration rates (measured as CO2 production) of cucumber fruit during storage at 5C were markedly suppressed under CA conditions. Contrary to reports in the literature, CA storage was found to be beneficial in reducing chilling injury and maintaining cucumber quality. |
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