UV-C Radiation on Fresh Cut Vegetables Quality

Fresh cut vegetables are products with convenience for consumers, but with a short shelf-life and lower levels of bioactive compounds, when compared to unprocessed vegetables. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of UV-C radiation on quality, phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity of different fresh cutted vegetables. Nine different vegetables (tomato, onion, bell pepper, zucchini, red cabbage, cauliflower, carrot, beets and potato) were minimally processed and the control and irradiated (UV-C - 4,10 KJ m2 ) treatments were placed in a cold room for 72 hours. The following parameters were evaluated: color (L*, a*, b*, Chroma and ºHue), total soluble solids, titratable acidity, antioxidant activity (DPPH and β-carotene methods) and total phenolics. The UV-C did not influenced the quality parameters, with no significant difference between treated and control samples in vegetables after irradiation process. Tests including microbiology analysis and quality during storage of vegetables after irradiation are suggested, since the quality parameters, desirable for consumers, were not influenced.