ISHS Acta Horticulturae 157: Postharvest Handling of Vegetables
LONG-TERM STORAGE OF CABBAGE, CELERY, AND LEEKS UNDER CONTROLLED ATMOSPHERE |
| Authors: | Y. Gariepy, G.S.V. Raghavan, R. Plasse, C.T. Phan, R. Theriault |
| Abstract:
Several sets of laboratory experiments were performed to assess and compare the storability of cabbage, celery and leeks under different controlled atmosphere (CA) gas compositions with those stored under regular atmosphere (RA). CA gas compositions with relative humidity levels close to saturation were achieved and maintained with silicone membranes installed on the experimental chambers. Visual observations, mass losses, and physiological analyses were the means selected to assess the product quality. The respiration rate (RR) and respiratory quotient (RQ) were estimated from the gas composition and the permeability characteristics of the membrane system. An unidentified cultivar of cabbage, imported from Florida, was stored for 159 days in RA with 39% total mass loss and simultaneously under CA of 3–4% CO2, 2–3% O2 and 93–95% N2, for 265 days with 17% total mass loss. The cabbage stored under CA showed better retention of its green colour, fresh appearance and texture than that under RA. Locally grown celery was stored under RA and three different CA compositions for 62 and 71 days, respectively. The CA celery showed better texture and crispness than those stored under RA. At the end of the storage period, no real difference in total mass loss was observed between the CA and RA celery. Two leek cultivars, Unic and Alaska, both locally grown on two soil textures, were stored under RA and different CA compositions for 145 days. For both cultivars, CA of 5% CO2 and 2% O2 resulted in significantly lower total mass losses. However, RR of leeks stored under this CA composition was not notably reduced. | |
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