Respiration rate and ethylene production of fresh cut lettuce as affected by cutting grade

For designing optimal polymeric films for modified atmosphere packaging of whole heads as well as for minimally fresh processed (fresh-cut) Iceberg lettuce Coolguard, the effect of several cutting grades on respiration rate (RR) and ethylene production at 5ºC was studied. According to common industrial practices cutting grades less than 0.5 cm, between 0.5 and 1 cm, and 2 cm length were selected. Results from four experiments were compared to those obtained for whole heads in which a homogenous range of 6 to 8 ml CO2 kg-1 h-1 in RR was found. Compared to whole heads, in fresh-cut lettuce the RR was 2-fold higher. The lowest cutting grade showed the highest respiration rate, and no significant differences in RR among lettuce pieces of intermediate and the highest grades were found. No ethylene production was detected in whole heads, while in minimally processed lettuce pieces only traces were found. For avoiding risks of anaerobic respiration and excessive CO2 levels within packages containing fresh-cut lettuce pieces lower than 0.5 cm length, films with relatively high O2 permeability like standard polypropylene or low-density polyethylene must be selected.;

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Combined Effect of Dipping in Oxalic or in Citric Acid and Low O2 Modified Atmosphere, to Preserve the Quality of Fresh-Cut Lettuce during Storage

Foods ◽

10.3390/foods9080988 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 9 (8) ◽

pp. 988

Author(s):

Bernardo Pace ◽

Imperatrice Capotorto ◽

Michela Palumbo ◽

Sergio Pelosi ◽

Maria Cefola

Keyword(s):

Citric Acid ◽

Respiration Rate ◽

Modified Atmosphere Packaging ◽

Packaging Material ◽

Combined Effect ◽

Modified Atmosphere ◽

Iceberg Lettuce ◽

Fresh Cut ◽

Main Factor

Leaf edge browning is the main factor affecting fresh-cut lettuce marketability. Dipping in organic acids as well as the low O2 modified atmosphere packaging (MAP), can be used as anti-browning technologies. In the present research paper, the proper oxalic acid (OA) concentration, able to reduce respiration rate of fresh-cut iceberg lettuce, and the suitable packaging materials aimed to maintaining a low O2 during storage, were selected. Moreover, the combined effect of dipping (in OA or in citric acid) and packaging in low O2 was investigated during the storage of fresh-cut iceberg lettuce for 14 days. Results showed a significant effect of 5 mM OA on respiration rate delay. In addition, polypropylene/polyamide (PP/PA) was select as the most suitable packaging material to be used in low O2 MAP. Combining OA dipping with low O2 MAP using PP/PA as material, resulted able to reduce leaf edge browning, respiration rate, weight loss and electrolyte leakage, preserving the visual quality of fresh-cut lettuce until 8 days at 8 °C.

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High carbon-di-oxide modified atmospheric packaging on quality of ready-to-eat minimally processed fresh-cut iceberg lettuce

Food Science and Biotechnology ◽

10.1007/s10068-021-00881-4 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Md. Azizul Haque ◽

Md. Asaduzzaman ◽

Md. Sultan Mahomud ◽

Md. Rizvi Alam ◽

Alin Khaliduzzaman ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Modified Atmosphere Packaging ◽

Storage Condition ◽

Modified Atmosphere ◽

High Carbon ◽

Modified Atmospheric Packaging ◽

Iceberg Lettuce ◽

Microbial Development ◽

Fresh Cut ◽

Intact Surface

AbstractFresh-cut lettuce is a very well-known salad for today's routines because it obliges minimal preparation to minimize the loss of health beneficial vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and other phytochemicals. It is a prodigious challenge to serve its consumers fresh. Quality of freshly processed lettuce under high CO2 modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) has been investigated as a realistic alternative technique for its preservation. Storage under high CO2 atmospheric treatments exhibited a significant impact in microbial development, electrolyte leakage, volatile metabolites and sensory quality of fresh-cut iceberg lettuce. This storage condition (MAP 1: 5 kPa O2 and 20 kPa CO2 balanced by N2 at 7 °C for 6 days) inhibited the growth of mesophilic bacteria and yeasts; delayed the enzymatic browning (cut-edges and intact surface) of fresh-cut iceberg lettuce and overall visual quality was also in acceptance limit. The development of off-odors was perceived in high CO2 MAP as a consequence of volatiles (ethanol and acetaldehyde) accumulation which was persisted at an inexcusable level during 6 days of storage periods.

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Response of antioxidant activity and sensory quality in fresh-cut pear as affected by high O2 active packaging in comparison with low O2 packaging

Food Science and Technology International ◽

10.1177/1082013211415147 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 18 (3) ◽

pp. 197-205 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

WL Li ◽

XH Li ◽

X Fan ◽

Y Tang ◽

J Yun

Keyword(s):

Sensory Quality ◽

Radical Scavenging ◽

Modified Atmosphere Packaging ◽

Modified Atmosphere ◽

Dpph Assay ◽

Surface Color ◽

Scavenging Capacity ◽

High O2 ◽

Fresh Cut

Effects of active modified atmosphere packaging (initial O2/CO2: 5/5; 30/5; and 80/0) and passive packaging [initial O2/CO2: 20.8/0 (air)] on the antioxidant capacity and sensory quality of fresh-cut ‘Yaoshan’ pear stored at 4 °C for 12 days were investigated. Samples stored in high O2 (30% and 80%) packages had higher phenolics and anthocyanin contents compared with those in passive and low O2 packages. After 12 days of storage, phenolics and anthocyanin contents of 80% O2 samples were 2.5 and 12 times, respectively, higher than those in the passive package and 3 and 2 times higher than those in low O2 package. High O2 modified atmosphere packaging was effective in keeping free radical scavenging capacity as measured by the DPPH assay. The sensory evaluation indicated that surface color of cut fruits were stable for at least 12 days in the high O2 modified atmosphere packaging. The results suggested that high O2 modified atmosphere packaging could be used to inhibit browning and prolong the shelf life of fresh-cut ‘Yaoshan’ pears in spite of more than 50% loss in vitamin C content.

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Modelling the respiration rate of fresh-cut Annurca apples to develop modified atmosphere packaging

International Journal of Food Science & Technology ◽

10.1111/j.1365-2621.2007.01615.x ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 44 (5) ◽

pp. 890-899 ◽

Cited By ~ 24

Author(s):

Elena Torrieri ◽

Silvana Cavella ◽

Paolo Masi

Keyword(s):

Respiration Rate ◽

Modified Atmosphere Packaging ◽

Modified Atmosphere ◽

Fresh Cut

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Influence of Oxygen and Temperature on the Respiration Rate of Fresh-cut Cantaloupe and Implications for Modified Atmosphere Packaging

HortScience ◽

10.21273/hortsci.47.8.1113 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 47 (8) ◽

pp. 1113-1116 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

M. Helena Gomes ◽

Randolph M. Beaudry ◽

Domingos P.F. Almeida

Keyword(s):

Steady State ◽

Shelf Life ◽

Respiration Rate ◽

Modified Atmosphere Packaging ◽

Life Extension ◽

Modified Atmosphere ◽

Low Oxygen ◽

Fundamental Information ◽

Respiratory Behavior ◽

Fresh Cut

The respiratory behavior of fresh-cut melon under modified atmosphere packaging at various temperatures was characterized to assess the potential for shelf life extension through low-oxygen and to generate information for the development of appropriate packaging conditions. Cantaloupe melon (Cucumis melo var. cantalupensis ‘Olympic Gold’) cubes were packaged and stored at 0, 5, 10, and 15 °C. Packages attained gas equilibrium after 5 days at 10 °C, 6 days at 5 °C, and 10 days at 0 °C. In cubes stored at 15 °C, decay started before steady-state gas levels were reached. Respiration rates were measured and respiratory quotient calculated once steady-state O2 and CO2 partial pressures were achieved inside the packages. O2 uptake increased with temperature and O2 partial pressure (pO2 pkg), according to a Michaelis-Menten kinetics described by = [( × pO2 pkg)/( + pO2 pkg)]. Respiratory parameters were modeled as an exponential function of temperature: = {[1.34 × 10−17 × e(0.131 × T) × pO2 pkg]/[1.15 × 10−24 × e(0.193 × T) + pO2 pkg]} (R2 = 0.95), Q10 = 3.7, and Ea = 84 kJ·mol−1. A good fit to the experimental data was also obtained considering as constant: RO2 = {[4.36 × 10−14 × e(0.102 × T) × pO2 pkg]/[0.358 + pO2 pkg]} (R2 = 0.93), Q10 = 2.8, and Ea = 66 kJ·mol−1. These results provide fundamental information to predict package permeability and steady-state pO2 pkg required to prevent anaerobic conditions and maximize shelf life of fresh-cut cantaloupe. The kinetics of respiration as a function of pO2 suggests that no significant reductions in respiration rate of fresh-cut cantaloupe can be achieved by lowering O2 levels.

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The microperforated packaging design and evaluation of shelf life of fresh-sliced mushrooms

Potravinarstvo Slovak Journal of Food Sciences ◽

10.5219/1530 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 15 ◽

pp. 83-94

Author(s):

Özlem Kizilirmak Esmer ◽

Erinç Koçak ◽

Aslı Şahiner ◽

Can Türksever ◽

Pinar Akin ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Shelf Life ◽

Respiration Rate ◽

Modified Atmosphere Packaging ◽

Polymeric Materials ◽

Packaging Material ◽

Packaging Materials ◽

Modified Atmosphere ◽

Packaging Design ◽

High Respiration Rate ◽

Fresh Cut

Fresh mushrooms have a very short shelf life, of 1 – 3 days because of their high respiration rate and lack of cuticles that protect the plant from external factors. In the case of fresh-sliced mushrooms, they will be more susceptible to spoilage reactions due to the increase in respiration rate as a result of a broader surface area. Conventional packaging materials can not meet the requirements for modified atmosphere packaging of fresh-sliced mushrooms. One of the techniques to extend the fresh-cut produce shelf life is the passive modification of modified atmosphere packaging technology. For highly respiring fresh-cut produce such as fresh-sliced mushrooms, the permeability properties of the polymeric materials might not be enough to provide an equilibrium gas concentration in the passive modification of modified atmosphere technology. In this case, the microperforated packaging materials can be used for passive modification of fresh-cut produce. But the microperforation process needs a design for the application of the appropriate number and diameter of microholes to meet the requirements of passive modified atmosphere packaging. For this reason in this research, the design of the microperforation process to be used in passive modified atmosphere packaging was based on the diameter and the number of microholes, and the shelf life of fresh-sliced mushrooms was determined. The samples were stored at 15 °C/80% RH, and pH, color, weight loss, textural, sensorial, and microbial analysis were performed periodically during storage. It was determined that the empirical equation used in this research can be applied to microperforated packaging design for fresh-sliced mushrooms. The shelf life of the fresh-sliced mushrooms packaged with microperforated packaging material was 8 days, while it was less than 7 days (4, 5, or 6 days) when packaged with non-microperforated packaging material. This result shows that the use of microperforated packaging material is effective in extending the shelf life of fresh-sliced mushrooms.

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Effects of Gamma Irradiation, Modified Atmosphere Packaging, and Delay of Irradiation on Quality of Fresh-cut Iceberg Lettuce

HortScience ◽

10.21273/hortsci.46.2.273 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 46 (2) ◽

pp. 273-277 ◽

Cited By ~ 9

Author(s):

Xuetong Fan ◽

Kimberly J.B. Sokorai

Keyword(s):

Gamma Irradiation ◽

Modified Atmosphere Packaging ◽

Visual Quality ◽

Modified Atmosphere ◽

Cut Edge ◽

Quality Deterioration ◽

Iceberg Lettuce ◽

Fresh Cut ◽

Tissue Browning

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) and delay of irradiation application on the quality of cut Iceberg lettuce. Overall visual quality and tissue browning of cut lettuce were evaluated using a scale of 9 to 1, whereas texture was analyzed instrumentally during 14 days of storage at 4 °C. Results showed that irradiation (0.5 and 1.0 kGy) of cut lettuce induced tissue browning when stored in air; however, when cut lettuce was stored in MAP, irradiated lettuce had better appearance than the non-irradiated ones as a result of lower O2 levels in the packages of irradiated samples compared with the levels in control packages. In general, irradiation at doses of 0.5 and 1.0 kGy did not affect firmness of the lettuce. After 14 days of MAP storage, overall visual quality of non-irradiated samples had a score of ≈4, a score below the limit of sales appeal, whereas the two irradiated samples had scores of 6.5 to 7.9, indicating the irradiated samples had a fair to good quality. Delaying irradiation by 1 day after preparation of cut lettuce did not significantly (P > 0.05) affect cut edge browning, surface browning, or overall visual quality compared with lettuce irradiated immediately after preparation. Our results suggest that MAP is essential to minimize quality deterioration caused by irradiation.

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Biopolymer Coatings as Alternative to Modified Atmosphere Packaging for Shelf Life Extension of Minimally Processed Apples

Coatings ◽

10.3390/coatings9090569 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 9 (9) ◽

pp. 569 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Stefania Volpe ◽

Silvana Cavella ◽

Elena Torrieri

Keyword(s):

Antioxidant Capacity ◽

Shelf Life ◽

Respiration Rate ◽

Modified Atmosphere Packaging ◽

Life Extension ◽

Second Phase ◽

Modified Atmosphere ◽

Gas Composition ◽

Minimally Processed ◽

Life Study

The effect of caseinate/chitosan blend on the shelf life of minimally processed apples was studied. In the first phase of the work, the effect of the biopolymer coating on the respiration rate of the minimally processed apples was studied as function of gas composition (5%, 10%, 21% of O2 with N2 as balance at 5 °C) and temperature (5 °C, 10 °C at 5% of O2 with N2 as balance). In the second phase, the shelf life of the packed product was studied during storage at 5 °C. The gas composition (O2%-CO2%) in the package headspace, relative humidity, pH, hardness, color and antioxidant capacity of the product were monitored after 0, 1, 4, 7, 11, and 14 days. The coating effectively reduced respiration rate of the product when oxygen was over 10%. In the presence of the coating, the reduction of oxygen did not affect the respiration rate. At 5% of O2, the respiration rate decreased by 50% by changing the temperature from 10 °C to 5 °C. Shelf life study showed that the chitosan—caseinate coating was able to preserve the mechanical properties and the antioxidant capacity of the product during storage by increasing the shelf life by 7 days to 11 days at 5 °C.

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