Postharvest quality changes in fresh-cut watercress stored under conventional and inert gas-enriched modified atmosphere packaging

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2016

Authors

Pinela, J (Author) Other; Barreira, JCM (Author) Other; Barros, L (Author) Other; Antonio, AL (Author) Other; Carvalho, AM (Author) Other; Oliveira, MBPP (Author) FFUP; Ferreira, ICFR (Author) Other

Journal

Title: Postharvest Biology and Technology

Vol. 112

Pages: 55-63

ISSN: 0925-5214

Publisher: Elsevier

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 9 Citations

Scopus - 17 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00G-SCN

DOI: 10.1016/j.postharvbio.2015.10.004

Abstract (EN): The effect of modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) on the postharvest quality of fresh-cut watercress (Nasturtium officinale R. Br.) stored at 4 degrees C for 7 d was studied. A portion of watercress was immediately analyzed (non-stored control) and the remaining fresh material was stored packaged under atmospheres enriched with N-2, Ar, air, or vacuum. The analyzed parameters included color, total soluble solids, pH, macronutrients, the individual profiles of sugars, organic acids, tocopherols and fatty acids, and total phenolics and flavonoids. Furthermore, four in vitro assays were performed to evaluate the antioxidant activity. After assessing the effect on individual quality parameters, it was possible to conclude that air was the less efficient atmosphere in preserving quality attributes of the non-stored control samples during cold storage. In turn, Ar-enriched MAP was the most suitable choice to preserve the overall postharvest quality. The present study also highlighted the nutritional and antioxidant properties of watercress, as well as the interest of its inclusion in human diets.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 9