Effect of UV-C and Ozone on the Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Capacity of Minimally Processed Rocket (Eruca Sativa Mill.)

Abstract

In this study, treatments with UV-C radiation (10, 20 and 30 kJ/m2) and gaseous ozone (1, 5 and 10 mg/L) were applied to minimally processed rocket (Eruca sativa) leaves to investigate their effects on the bioactive compounds and antioxidant capacityduring12 days of storage at 5 ºC.As control, water washing was used. Ascorbic acid content, phenolic compounds, antioxidant capacity and chlorophyll a and b, total chlorophyll and total carotenoids content throughout shelf-life were studied. The results showed that UV-C and ozone treatments had no adverse effects on ascorbic acid content, phenolic compound and antioxidant capacity of minimally processed rocket leaves. Treatments with UV-C delayed the degradation of total chlorophyll content throughout shelf-life, while the treatments with O3 did not affect this parameter. In conclusion, the UV-C and ozone treatments applied maintain the bioactive compounds with antioxidant activity content of minimally processed rocket leaves during 12 days of storage at 5 ºC.