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Effectiveness of CaCl 2 , Peppermint Oil and Salicylic Acid Treatments on Shelf Life Extension of Fresh Mint during Cold Storage
Author(s) -
Yousefizad Leila,
Fathi Til Roya,
Ghanbari Fardin
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
journal of food processing and preservation
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.511
H-Index - 48
eISSN - 1745-4549
pISSN - 0145-8892
DOI - 10.1111/jfpp.12514
Subject(s) - salicylic acid , preservative , postharvest , proline , shelf life , food science , chemistry , chlorophyll , pulp and paper industry , horticulture , biology , biochemistry , organic chemistry , amino acid , engineering
Mint is a popular commercially grown refreshing herb with numerous applications. Consumers increasingly require fresh ready‐to‐eat herbs of good quality. Today, most of the developed methods to control postharvest quality are not practical for industrial applications. The effect of CaCl 2 (1 and 2%), peppermint oil (500 and 1,000 mg/L) and salicylic acid (0.5 and 1 mM) on different quality attributes, including chlorophyll, electrolyte leakage, relative water content, proline concentration and overall quality of fresh mint, were evaluated. Application of salicylic acid and CaCl 2 significantly prevented chlorophyll degradation and water loss, while preserving membrane integrity. Proline as a stress regulator was mostly collected in salicylic acid‐treated samples. Application of peppermint oil resulted in negative effects on the visual quality of samples. Thus, application of salicylic acid and CaCl 2 or their potent preservative blends in suitable concentrations will reduce loss and prolong the shelf life of fresh mint. Practical Applications The quality of fresh produce reaching to the consumer depends on pre‐ and postharvest management. Due to the perishable nature of fresh herbs like mint, it is required to develop new strategies for shelf life extension. Health‐conscious consumers demand natural, organic, preservative‐free minimally processed fresh produce. Therefore, alternative efficient and safe methods to hazardous chemicals are preferred for extending and keeping the quality.