Quality maintenance of broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica) stored in improved cardboard container

Abstract

The cardboard shipping container for broccoli was improved to raise gas barrier. The broccoli packaged in expanded polystyrene container, cardboard shipping container, cardboard shipping container lining polyethylene, functional cardboard shipping container and the improved cardboard shipping container were stored at 15t for 8 days. The yellowing occurred after storage of 4 or 6 days with broccoli in the usual container or the functional container, but not in the improved cardboard shipping container during storage of 8 days. The level of decrease in chemical components including chlorophyll, total sugar and ascorbic acid of broccoli in the improved cardboard shipping container was also less than that in usual or functional cardboard shipping container. The concentrations of carbon dioxide and oxygen in the improved cardboard shipping container were 9-11% and 10-12%, respectively throughout the storage period. The oxygen concentration was lower and carbon dioxide concentration higher as compared to that in a usual cardboard shipping container or functional cardboard shipping container with both sides plastic film lining. These results suggest that the quality of broccoli in the cardboard shipping container was successfully kept due to modifying the atmosphere in the container.