Quality and shelf life of fresh-cut asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.) in different packaging films.

Author(s) : KEIL S., KADAU R.

Summary

Different packaging films varying in their permeabilities for CO2 and O2 were used to study the effects on gas concentration and characteristic quality attributes of fresh-cut peeled and unpeeled asparagus (Asparagus officinalis) during shelf life of 4 days at 10 °C and 95% RH, simulating commercial transport and marketing conditions. Unpeeled asparagus showed a higher loss of fresh weight (2-4%) in comparison to peeled and wrapped spears. Moreover, an undesirable increase in firmness occurred in unpeeled spears after 4 days of shelf life, which was associated with changes in the insoluble/soluble pectin ratio and the increase of lignin. Packages with microperforation developed an internal atmosphere leading to a retention of product quality in respect to fresh weight, firmness, textural properties and sugar/acid ratio, and thus a reduction of deterioration and prolonged shelf life.

Details

  • Original title: Quality and shelf life of fresh-cut asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.) in different packaging films.
  • Record ID : 2005-0805
  • Languages: English
  • Publication date: 2003
  • Source: Source: Acta Hortic./Proc. int. control. Atmos. Res. Conf., Rotterdam
    n. 600; vol. 2; 787-790.