Effect of storage in pallet-unit controlled atmosphere on the quality of Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa L. spp. pekinensis) used in kimchi manufacturing

摘要

In this study, the effects of storage in pallet-unit controlled atmosphere (CA) at different gas compositions (control: atmospheric air, CA1: 0.5% O-2 and 2% CO2, CA2: 2% 02 and 2% CO2) on the quality of Chinese cabbages during 100 days of storage at 2 degrees C were examined. Rapid weight loss up to 30% was observed in the Chinese cabbages during storage for the control group, and there was severe color change, such as browning inside the cabbages for the CA1 storage group. In contrast, CA2 storage effectively maintained the marketable quality of the cabbages during long-term storage. The levels of vitamin C, total phenolics, and total glucosinolates were the highest in the CA2 storage group among the samples. In addition, the growth of total aerobic bacteria on the Chinese cabbages during 100 days of storage was more inhibited for the CA2 storage group, compared to other storage conditions. Therefore, these results indicated that CA2 storage condition (2% O-2, 2% CO2) applied in this study might be suitable for maintaining the quality and extending the shelf life of Chinese cabbages used in kimchi manufacturing.