Effect of modified atmosphere packaging on the quality and bioactive compounds of Chinese cabbage (Brasicca rapa L. ssp. chinensis). (18th December 2012)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mampholo, Bevly Mmakatane; Sivakumar, Dharini; Beukes, Mervyn; van, Willem Jansen
• Is Part Of: Journal of the science of food and agriculture. Volume 93:Number 8(2013:Jun. 15)
• Page Start: 2008
• Page End: 2015
• Publication Date: 2012-12-18
• Subjects: Food -- Periodicals; Agriculture -- Periodicals; 664
• DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.6007
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-5142

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main"> <title>Abstract</title> <sec id="jsfa6007-sec-0001" sec-type="section"> <title>BACKGROUND</title> <p> <bold>The perishability of <italic>Brassica chinensis</italic> 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.</bold> </p> </sec> <sec id="jsfa6007-sec-0002" sec-type="section"> <title>RESULTS</title> <p> <bold>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 <italic>L</italic>*, <italic>C</italic>*, <italic>h</italic>°), 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<sub>2</sub> and 7% CO<sub>2</sub>) inside the BOPP05 reduced leaf yellowing (higher <italic>h</italic>°), 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.</bold> </p> </sec> <sec id="jsfa6007-sec-0003" sec-type="section"> <title>CONCLUSION</title> <p> <bold>Application of BOPP05 is a promising method for extending the shelf life of <italic>B. chinensis</italic> leaves in order to promote its utilisation and commercialisation via urban fresh‐produce markets. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry</bold> </p> </sec> </abstract>