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Effect of modified atmosphere packaging on the quality and bioactive compounds of Chinese cabbage ( Brasicca rapa L. ssp. c hinensis )
Author(s) -
Mampholo Bevly Mmakatane,
Sivakumar Dharini,
Beukes Mervyn,
Rensburg Willem Jansen
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
journal of the science of food and agriculture
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.782
H-Index - 142
eISSN - 1097-0010
pISSN - 0022-5142
DOI - 10.1002/jsfa.6007
Subject(s) - modified atmosphere , brassica rapa , carotenoid , ascorbic acid , food science , antioxidant , chlorophyll , chemistry , shelf life , bioactive compound , horticulture , botany , brassica , biology , organic chemistry , biochemistry
BACKGROUND The perishability of Brassica chinensis poses a major challenge to distribution and marketing. The aim of this work was to select a suitable modified atmosphere packaging to retain the overall quality and bioactive compounds during storage.RESULTS Four types of biorientated polypropylene packaging ( BOPP ) – BOPP03 , BOPP04 , BOPP05 and BOPP06 – with different perforations were evaluated regarding the maintenance of quality parameters (weight loss, leaf yellowing, colour L *, C *, h °), decay, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, bioactive compounds (carotenoids, ascorbic acid, total phenolic compounds), antioxidant scavenging activity, overall appearance and odour evaluation, at 10°C at 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 days. Leaves were packed in BOPP (two 2‐mm holes) and packed and unpacked leaves were included for comparison. The modified atmosphere created (2% O 2 and 7% CO 2 ) inside the BOPP05 reduced leaf yellowing (higher h °), improved the overall appearance with acceptable odour, moderately maintained chlorophyll a and b, bioactive compounds and antioxidant scavenging activity, and remained marketable for up to 10 days at 10°C. Gas composition within the packages influenced the retention of bioactive compounds and overall quality.CONCLUSION Application of BOPP05 is a promising method for extending the shelf life of B. chinensis leaves in order to promote its utilisation and commercialisation via urban fresh‐produce markets. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry