Modelling respiration rate of shredded Galega kale for development of modified atmosphere packaging

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2002

Authors

Fonseca, SC (Author) Other; Oliveira, FAR (Author) Other; Frias, JM (Author) Other; Brecht, JK (Author) Other; Chau, KV (Author) Other

Journal

Title: Journal of Food Engineering

Vol. 54

Pages: 299-307

ISSN: 0260-8774

Publisher: Elsevier

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 43 Citations

Scopus - 52 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-000-MVA

DOI: 10.1016/s0260-8774(01)00216-3

Abstract (EN): The design of modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) for fresh-cut produce requires an adequate model for prediction of respiration rate as a function of both temperature and gas composition. In this work, the 02 consumption and CO2 production rates of shredded Galega kale were studied. The storage temperatures used were 1, 5, 10, 15 and 20 degreesC. The atmospheres tested were all combinations of 1, 5 and 10% v/v O-2 Plus 0, 10 and 20% v/v CO2 with the balance being N-2, as well as ambient air. Temperature was the variable with the greatest influence on respiration rate and the effect of gas composition increased with temperature. The dependence of respiration rate on gas composition was well described by a Michaelis-Menten type equation with uncompetitive CO2 inhibition. The respiratory quotient (RQ) was found to be constant for the range of temperatures and gas compositions tested and was equal to 0.93 +/- 0.01. The constants of the Michaelis-Menten equation increased exponentially with temperature. The change over time of respiration rate of leaves exposed to air at 20 degreesC was also analysed. It was observed that respiration rate decreased with time and that the ratio between the respiration rate of shredded and intact leaves was approximately constant in the period tested and equal to 2.8.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 9