Effect of packaging material on the quality of fresh-cut beet leaves packed in modified atmospheres

Abstract

This study aims to evaluate the effect of packaging system, including packaging materials with low, medium, and high oxygen permeance (OP), with or without initial atmosphere modification (IAM: 5kPaO2–10kPaCO2–85kPaN2) on minimally processed beet leaves (MPBL) overall quality during 8 days of storage at 12°C. Changes in microbial quality, pH, moisture content, and antioxidant capacity were independent of the packaging system. Samples with or without IAM achieved dynamic equilibrium in 24 or 144 hr, respectively. High, medium, and low OP material stabilized at 8kPaO2–3.5kPaCO2, 6kPaO2–6kPaCO2, and 0kPaO2–20kPaCO2, respectively. Low-OP presented anoxia conditions. High-OP material maintained total soluble solids and carotenoids and presented the highest retentions of betalains, chlorophyll, and total phenolics during storage. Moreover, active modified atmosphere packaging (with IAM) yielded significant improvements on bioactive retention. Hence, high-OP material with IAM is recommended for MPBL preservation. Practical applications: This research addresses one of the major challenges facing the growing industry of minimally processed fruit and vegetables, the rapid deterioration of their quality, and their reduced shelf-life. The results obtained are significant since give a practical and effective response to this challenge.