Effect of perforation-mediated modified atmosphere packaging system on the quality of rucola
2018
Geyer, M. | Rux, G. | Caleb, O. | Mahajan, P.
Rucola is an important leafy green salad normally sold in plastic trays wrapped with macro-perforated polypropylene film. Such film does not allow to atmosphere modification inside the package resulting in loss of freshness and green chlorophyll pigments. The aim of this study was to optimize the packaging system for fresh rucola under short-term (6 days) and long-term (7 days) cold chains maintained between 4 to 20°C. Washed and unwashed rucola were packed using different packaging systems: packages without perforations (MAP-0); optimized 2 micro-perforations of 0.5 mm diameter (MAP-2); and 21 macro-perforations with 5 mm diameter (control). In control packages, the gas composition stayed close to air and browning of cut edges, water loss, and loss of turgor pressure was most severe. MAP-0 led to anoxia and fermentative off-odor was perceived by day 3 of storage, therefore, it should be avoided. In MAP-2, equilibrium modified atmosphere of 2-3% O2 and 10-12% CO2 was achieved and respiration rate of rucola was halved compared to other packages. Additionally, it maintained the freshness, delayed senescence and slowed down the breakdown of chlorophyll pigments. Washed rucola increased the development of off-odor across all the packaging treatments and should not be practiced, while unwashed samples better maintained the overall quality attributes.
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