Effects of modified atmosphere package (MAP) with a silicon gum film window on the quality of stored green asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L) spears

Abstract

Packages of green asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.) spears with or without silicon gum film windows were flushed in two different modified systems (50 mL L−1 O2 with 100 mL L−1 CO2 and 100 mL L−1 O2 with 100 mL L−1 CO2, with N2 as a balance gas) and stored at 2 ± 1 °C for 30 days. The changes in gas headspace, sensory, respiration rate, ascorbic acid content, soluble solid content and chlorophyll content were investigated. The results showed that green asparagus spears stored in MAP with silicon gum film windows, the gas exchange between packages and surrounding atmosphere through the silicon gum film windows induced an in-package optimum atmosphere for green asparagus spears stored at O2 above 21 mL L−1, CO2 below 157 mL L−1 and ethylene below 15.84 μL L−1. These packages prevented anaerobic respiration to get good odour score, and were able to keep a relatively low respiration rate and reduce loss of ascorbic acid. A low concentration of ethylene atmosphere was effective for inhibiting chlorophyll degradation, which resulted in a high appearance score. The initial atmosphere in packs also affect the quality attributes, where 50 mL L−1 O2 and 100 mL L−1 CO2 initial atmosphere was preferred.