Qualitative changes in the broccoli (Brassica oleracea italica) under modified atmosphere packaging in perforated polymeric film.

摘要

Fresh broccoli (Brassica oleracea italica) heads with different weights were packaged in perforated (2 perforations each of 0.3 mm diameter) polypropylene (PP) film packages and stored at 5 degrees C and 75% relative humidity (RH) in a cold room for 4 days under modified atmosphere packaging (MAP). It is concluded that 300 g broccoli samples compared to other packaging treatments could create low O2 and high CO2 concentrations, which resulted in a larger increase in the chlorophyll content. Further, the low temperature storage under the normal atmospheric gaseous compositions of O2 and CO2 was not sufficient to avoid the senescence of the broccoli tissues in the unsealed control samples. The beta -carotene content was largely unaffected under MAP, but the ascorbic acid content could be maintained in the broccoli florets in 300 g samples, while for stalks, it remained largely protected from the effect of MAP by the thick broccoli stalks. It could be concluded that perforated PP film packages (2 holes, each of 0.3 mm diameter) and having a film area of 0.1 m2 could be used to store broccoli for 4 days under MAP with maintenance of chlorophyll and ascorbic acid.