76C-18 |
Shelf life and chlorophyll degradation of broccoli florets in a modified atmosphere packaging with ethylene absorbent |
D. Lozada-Ramirez1, H. Mújica-Paz2, A. Valdez-Fragoso2, and J. WELTI-CHANES3. (1) Departamento de Química y Biologia, Universidad de las Américas-Puebla, Santa Catarina Mártir, Cholula Puebla, 72820, Mexico, (2) Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Autónoma de Chihuahua, Ciudad Universitaria, Chihuahua, 31170, Mexico, (3) Departamento de Ingeniería Química y Alimentos, Universidad de las Américas-Puebla, Santa Catarina Mártir, Cholula Puebla, 72820, Mexico Broccoli florets have high respiration and transpiration rates and high ethylene production. Exposure to ethylene can accelerate chlorophyll degradation and other senescence changes. These undesirable physiological changes in broccoli can be delay by modified atmosphere packaging (MAP). This study was aimed to determine the effect of MAP with ethylene absorbent on shelf life and chlorophyll degradation of broccoli florets. Samples of broccoli florets (500 g) were placed into 9x13 cm polymeric film bags. Packages were stored at 4, 16 and 32 °C. In one treatment, each package contained a sachet with ethylene absorbent, while in another treatment, packages do not contained any sachet. Nonpackaged florets were placed in normal atmosphere to serve as a control. CO2, O2, and C2H4 concentrations inside the packages were determined using gas chromatography. Total chlorophyll content was determined spectrophotometrically. Broccoli florets under MAP had longer shelf life than the control florets, at studied temperatures. Equilibrium concentrations of CO2 (12.5 %) and O2 (2.8 %) were achieved. The incorporation of an ethylene absorbent was found to be an effective means of reducing ethylene in the packages, but it did not considerably increase the storage life. High chlorophyll degradation levels (60-80%) were observed in packaged and nonpackaged broccoli florets, at 16 and 32 °C. Chlorophyll retention of packaged broccoli was significantly higher than the control samples, at 4 °C. Greater effectiveness of the MAP in extending the postharvest life of broccoli florets was observed at 4 °C than at 16 and 32 °C. Chlorophyll degradation was good indicator of senescent changes in broccoli during storage
Session 76C, Fruit & Vegetable Product: Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
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