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Extending the Shelf Life of Kohlrabi Stems by Modified Atmosphere Packaging
Author(s) -
Escalona V.H.,
Aguayo E.,
Artés F.
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
journal of food science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.772
H-Index - 150
eISSN - 1750-3841
pISSN - 0022-1147
DOI - 10.1111/j.1750-3841.2007.00354.x
Subject(s) - modified atmosphere , shelf life , relative humidity , horticulture , polypropylene , chemistry , cold storage , food science , botany , biology , meteorology , physics , organic chemistry
Kohlrabi stems (without leaves) were stored under modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) for 60 d at 0 °C. An additional retail sale period of 3 d at 12 °C after each cold storage evaluation (30 and 60 d) was applied. Under high relative humidity (RH) and 0 °C, the stems showed low metabolic activity, as no changes in sugars and organic acids were found. From day 21 at 0 °C, air‐stored stems showed a yellowing of stalks and later they fell down. This disorder severely affected the appearance of stems. A gas composition of 4.5 to 5.5 kPa O 2 plus 11 to 12 kPa CO 2 was reached using antimist oriented polypropylene plastic bags of 20‐μm thicknesses. The stems in MAP conditions kept a high sensorial quality. It was enough for commercial purpose of 2 mo. The storage of kohlrabi stems in plastic bags, either MA or in perforated (control) packages, provided an additional protection reducing physical damage. The MAP conditions delayed the weight loss and development of bacterial soft and black rot, extending the shelf life of kohlrabi stems to 60 d at 0 °C plus 3 d at 12 °C. Stems are not chilling injury sensitive.