Quality Of Asparagus Research Articles

Validade de espargos verdes usando revestimento de mistura de mandioca e quitosana

Abstract Polysaccharide coating is a biodegradable alternative to conventional packings used for delaying senescence in vegetables. This work investigated the properties of cassava and chitosan biopolymeric film and its use as edible coatings to preserve the shelf-life (7 °C and 70% relative humidity (RH)) of green asparagus, with previous cold storage (1 °C and 90% RH) for 7 days. Based on a previous assessment of the films obtained from a) cassava (2.5%), b) chitosan (0.5%), and c) a blend of cassava-chitosan (Cassava+) (2.5 + 0.5%), it could be verified that cassava-chitosan blend films showed improved barrier property (water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) of 38.06 g/(m2.h)) and mechanical properties, with tensile strength of 0.021 MPa, elongation at break of 1.93% and Young’s module of 0.011 MPa. Cassava+ based coating resulted in a lower weight loss and colour L* parameter and minimized textural changes in basal-section of commercial green asparagus spears during a shelf-life of seven days (7 °C and 70% RH), with previous cold storage. All coated spears maintained overall higher carbohydrate levels than the control, except to sucrose which gradually decreased in basal sections and increased in the apical sections of asparagus spears, irrespective of treatment. Edible coating did not affect asparagine concentrations which steadily increased throughout the shelf-life of the spears. The blend (Cassava+) kept for a longer the green asparagus quality. However, spears under a shelf-life of seven days (7 °C and 70% RH), with previous cold storage under 1 °C and 90% RH conditions, developed tip-rot physiological disorder.

Evaluating the quality of green asparagus treated with cassava starch-based coating using laser scattering

AbstractThe presented study investigated the effects of edible coatings with concentration of 2%, 3% and 4% of starch (w/v) on the weight loss and firmness loss of green asparagus during 4 days of storage at room temperature (26 ± 2 °C, 65–70% RH). According to the results, the coated asparagus exhibited significantly slower deterioration rate than the uncoated control samples. This was indicated by the decrease in weight loss and increase in firmness (P < 0.05). After the storage period, the samples treated with 4% starch formula retained the highest quality. Furthermore, the assessment of asparagus quality throughout the storage period involved the use of the line laser scattering technique. Extracted parameters of laser scattering signal discriminated samples with linear discriminant analysis (LDA), in which the correct recognition rate of the treated groups was 75.26% and the storage time was 70.54%. This study showed the potential of laser scattering as a rapid, non-invasive, and practical optical method for assessing the quality of asparagus during storage.

Non‐destructive monitoring of asparagus (Asparagus officinalis, L) quality changes during storage using NIR spectroscopy

SummaryStoring asparagus under controlled conditions is crucial to preserve its freshness and quality after harvest. However, there may be changes in firmness and weight. This study aimed to evaluate surface changes of green asparagus using near‐infrared (NIR) spectroscopy during storage at 2, 10 and 15 °C for 12 days. Weight loss, firmness and NIR absorbance in 900–1700 nm were measured. The results showed that the storage temperature and time had a significant influence on the weight loss and firmness values. A partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS–DA) with first derivative spectral pre‐treatment performed well and achieved an average accuracy of 86.6% in cross‐validation. Furthermore, the partial least squares regression (PLSR) model accurately predicted weight loss (RCV2 = 0.97, RMSECV = 1.04%) and firmness (RCV2 = 0.97, RMSECV = 1.89 N). Therefore, NIR spectroscopy was efficient in monitoring asparagus quality changes during storage at different temperatures and durations.

Mathematical modeling of modified atmosphere package/LDPE film combination and its application to design breathing cylinders for extending the shelf life of green asparagus

BackgroundThe O2 levels in food packaging systems play an essential role in the deterioration of food quality and shelf life. Modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) supports the storage of fresh and processed foods by inhibiting chemical and physical changes while reducing the deterioration caused by microorganisms.Materials and methodsThis study established and validated the equations for the relationship between MAP formulation reagents, asparagus respiration, permeability of packaging film, and rates of O2 and CO2 mass transfer in which different interactions occur and affect each other.ResultsThe resulting atmosphere of packaging was determined to be the key to achieving the MAP benefits. The active MAP formulations developed in this study were combined with very-low-density polyethylene films to store green asparagus spears. During storage, the combined films effectively maintained the firmness of green asparagus spears, fiber, and vitamin C content, and outperformed the passive MAP and control groups. The above results confirm all the equations in the passive and active MAP systems established in this study.ConclusionsHence, maintaining the asparagus quality with an active MAP treatment will reduce economic loss and possibly provide new insights into applying active MAP retail packages to preserve fruits and vegetables in post-harvest shelf life.Graphical

Distinct Quality Changes of Asparagus during Growth by Widely Targeted Metabolomics Analysis

Asparagus is a popular vegetable and traditional medicine consumed worldwide due to its health benefits. The quality of asparagus, mainly attributed to small components like flavonoids and steroid, is quite differential as a result of different environments and maturities. However, the accumulation pattern and regulatory mechanism of metabolites in asparagus remain unclear so far. Herein, widely targeted metabolomics analysis was employed to study the quality and chemical composition variances of four asparagus, including three green asparagus of different maturities and one white asparagus. A total of 1045 metabolites were annotated in asparagus in which flavonoids and phenolic acids accounted for 37.51% of the total. Green asparagus was found to be rich in flavonoids, while white asparagus contained more steroids. Additionally, 461 biomarkers were screened between matured green and white asparagus, which is much more than that filtered among three green asparagus at different growth stages. These results indicated that sunlight has a stronger effect on the metabolism of asparagus compared to the general development of asparagus. Linoleic acid metabolism and alpha-linolenic acid metabolism were active during green asparagus growth, while flavone and flavonol biosynthesis and flavonoid biosynthesis resulted as two of the most important pathways when asparagus was exposed to sunlight.

Effect of Short-term Storage in a High-humidity Refrigerator on the Quality of Asparagus (<i>Asparagus officinalis</i> L.) during Storage and Display

アスパラガス（Asparagus officinalis L.）は収穫後の代謝活性が非常に高く，品質を維持するには低温条件で貯蔵することが非常に重要である．本研究では，通常の冷蔵庫では困難な低温かつ高湿度条件を作り出す高湿度冷蔵庫による貯蔵がアスパラガスの若茎の重量，伸長および品質に及ぼす影響を調査した．高湿度冷蔵庫と冷蔵庫でアスパラガスを貯蔵し，経時的にそれらの重量と長さを調査した結果，貯蔵11時間以降，冷蔵庫区より高湿度冷蔵庫区で，若茎の重量と長さの減少量は有意に小さくなり，高湿度冷蔵庫が貯蔵中の若茎の重量減少抑制に有効であることが明らかとなった．次に，各試験区における貯蔵が販売所での陳列・棚持ち期間中の若茎の品質に及ぼす影響を明らかにするため，各冷蔵方式により0～72時間貯蔵した若茎を冷蔵ショーケースで3日間水につけて保管し，保管後の若茎の品質を調査した．その結果，両試験区間に大きな差は認められなかったものの，高湿度冷蔵庫での貯蔵は若茎の急激な重量の増減を抑制したことから，収穫直後の効果的な短期冷蔵技術であると考えられた．また，高湿度区では貯蔵時間が長くなるにつれ，保管後の若茎の重量と伸長量の増加量が小さくなり，糖度が高くなることが判明した．これは低温下での貯蔵が若茎の代謝活性を抑制し，それが若茎の伸長を抑制したことに起因すると考えられた．本研究の結果から，アスパラガスの貯蔵における高湿度冷蔵庫の有用性が示されるとともに，低温下での貯蔵時間が保管後の若茎の品質に影響を与える可能性が示された．この成果はアスパラガスの貯蔵・出荷の体系を考える上での有用な知見となると考えられる．

Effects of Fusarium Proliferatum infection on the quality and respiratory metabolism of postharvest asparagus

ABSTRACT Sugars and organic acids are important factors associated with the postharvest quality of fruits and vegetables, but respiratory metabolism effects the metabolite contents. The objectives of this study were to explore the affects of Fusarium proliferatum infection on the postharvest quality and respiratory metabolism of green asparagus. It was found that F. proliferatum caused the soluble sugar concentration of asparagus to increase over the first 2 d of storage and then decrease again to become significantly lower than the control at 4 d. The titratable acidity (TA) of infected asparagus also increased from day 2 to day 6 and then decreased to become significantly lower than the control. Similarly, the key enzyme activities of the Embden-Meyerhof-Parnas (EMP) pathway, tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, and pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) increased in pathogen-infected asparagus at the beginning of storage and then decreased to become lower than the control at the end. These findings demonstrate that F. proliferatum caused quality deterioration and an impairment of respiratory metabolism in postharvest asparagus. This research helps to clarify the relationships between pathogen infection, physiological metabolism, and asparagus quality and will provide valuable information for the control of postharvest diseases of asparagus.

A Study of Asparagus Preservation Capacity of Chitosan-Alginate and Chitosan-Carrageenan Biofilms

Fresh postharvest green asparagus rapidly deteriorate due to its senescence process and high transpiration rate. This thesis aims to utilize the available sources of carrageenan and alginate for combining with pure chitosan coating solution, thus create a new multi-component coating that can overcome the limitations of pure chitosan coating, and show more effective in maintaining the quality of postharvest green asparagus. The gel solution ratio 2:1 (v/v) of chitosan 1% (w/v) and alginate 0.2% (w/v), had ability to prolong shelf-life of asparagus for 3 days (from weight loss point of view) and 7 days (from visual quality point of view) compared to control sample. The weight loss was less than about 12% and also ensured lower firmness change, maintained higher chlorophyll content, exhibiting better quality of asparagus compared to control and chitosan coated sample. The chitosan-alginate (2:1 v/v) coated asparagus achieved highest sensory score in day 7 and 14 of storage and lowest total aerobic growth in 14 days of storage at 4 ºC. The coating biofilm of chitosan-alginate could be considered as the new multi-component edible coating which showed high effectiveness in quality preservation and shelf-life extension of asparagus.

Correlations among Quality Characteristics of Green Asparagus Affected by the Application Methods of Elevated CO₂ Combined with MA Packaging

This research investigated the effects of continuous elevated CO₂ (20%, (v/v)) application or a 3 day CO₂ pretreatment followed by modified atmosphere (MA) or micro-perforated (MP) packaging on the postharvest quality of asparagus. The combination of CO₂ pretreatment with MA packaging (Pre-MA) inhibited the yellowing of asparagus and fresh weight loss (FWL), whereas stem firmness slightly increased with all elevated CO₂ treatments. CO₂ pretreatments increased antioxidant activity in the stem, but not in the tip, in contrast to the continuous flow CO₂ (Flow-CO₂) treatment. The phenolic and flavonoid contents increased in the elevated CO₂ pretreatments and Flow-CO₂ treatment. The elevated CO₂ treatments, especially Flow-CO₂, inhibited the development of microorganisms, and the treated asparagus did not decay. Pre-MA and Flow-CO₂ treatments were more effective in maintaining the visual quality and retarding the off-odor of asparagus. Furthermore, significant correlations between sensory quality characteristics and physiological-biochemical attributes were recognized; three principal components were extracted and they explained 86.4% of asparagus characteristics. The results confirmed the importance of visual quality, off-odor, firmness, color parameters, SSC and total phenolic content. In conclusion, elevated CO₂ pretreatment followed by MA packaging (Pre-MA) was beneficial for extending asparagus cold storage shelf life, and Flow-CO₂ was the best treatment for inhibiting postharvest decay.

Synergistic effect of vacuum packaging and cold shock reduce lignification of asparagus.

This study was carried out to investigate the combined effects of vacuum packaging (VP) and cold shock (CS) of asparagus on lignification during storage at 4°C. Physiological and biochemical changes were analyzed. The VP+CS treatment reduced fresh weight loss and color change and prevented the increment of spear toughness the most compared to VP, CS, and control. Also, the VP+CS was most effective in suppressing the activities of lignin biosynthesis enzymes, including phenylalanine ammonia-lyase, cinnamyl-alcohol dehydrogenase, and peroxidase, thereby delaying lignin formation. In addition, the combined treatment delayed ethylene production peak and the reduction of total phenolic content. These results suggest that VP+CS may maintain eating quality of asparagus spears through delay of lignification. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: This study mainly focused on reducing lignification of asparagus spears using VP+CS, which is safe, eco-friendly, affordable, and practical. Our results showed that VP+CS significantly delayed lignification. Thus, VP+CS represents a promising postharvest handling approach for reducing the lignin content of asparagus, to preserve its integrity, and improve stability during shipment. This prospective technique will eliminate the use of chemical alternatives to prolong the storage life and maintain the quality of spears.

Electrostatic atomised water particles reduces postharvest lignification and maintain asparagus quality

Asparagus has a high respiration rate and short shelf-life. The loss in quality is observed through the wrinkling of stems, loss of green colour and toughening. The objective of this study was to reduce the spear lignification and maintain the quality of asparagus using electrostatic atomised water particle (EAWP) treatment. Asparagus were treated with EAWPs for 0 (control) and 90 min and kept at 4 °C for 24 days. The results showed that EAWP treatment for 90 min maintained the colour and total chlorophyll content of the spears. EAWP treatment retarded the respiration rate and ethylene production, reduced weight loss and induced stomatal closure in the stored asparagus. Additionally, the treatment significantly delayed the rise in the activities of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL), cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase (CAD) and peroxidase (POD), which were associated with the inhibition of lignin and cellulose accumulation. Similarly, treated asparagus showed lower hydrogen peroxide content than that of the control but had higher nitric oxide content during the initial days in storage, and decreased thereafter. Distinctly, total phenolic in EAWP treated asparagus was higher than the control. These findings suggest that EAWPs worked as a stress treatment to inhibit the lignification process and maintained the quality of asparagus during storage at 4 °C.

Soil properties, growth and spears yield quality of five asparagus cultivars grown in tropical soil affected by NaCl applications

To cultivate asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.) in the tropics is constrained by high temperature and humidity that are potentially stimulating the development of soil-borne diseases. The research was aimed to observe the NaCl applications effects on properties of soil physicochemical, growth and spears yield quality of asparagus in the tropical medium elevation (730 meters above sea levels). The experiment used Split-Plot Design with three levels of NaCl concentrations (1, 2 and 3 g L−1, respectively) as the main plot and five asparagus cultivars (Atlas F1, de Paoli F1, Jing Green F1, San Knight F1 and Jaleo) as the subplot with three repetitions. No interaction was found between NaCl applications and asparagus cultivars at 12 weeks after planting. NaCl concentrations significantly increased soil electrical conductivity (2.14 -2.68dS m−1); levels of soil Na+ (1.77-2.34 cmol kg−1) and Cl- (25.02 -27.79 mg kg−1), but decreased the levels of Ca2+ and Mg2+, respectively by 1.23 and 1.44 cmol kg−1. Higher spears number and weight of asparagus were produced by cultivars of Jaleo (54.3% and 66.4%, respectively) and Atlas F1 (50.9% and 62.6%, respectively). The conclusion shows that Jaleo and Atlas F1 can adapt to the tropical medium environment due to their genetic traits.

Effects of asparagus decline on nutrients and phenolic compounds, spear quality, and allelopathy

Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis) decline is an important issue that decreases both crop production and quality causing economic losses. The main bioactive compounds in asparagus are phenolics. Several studies have related these compounds with the decline and also with the replanting issues in which when asparagus plants are replaced by new plants, their productivity is low. The asparagus physiological state and the spear quality have not been studied yet in field plots showing decline symptoms. Therefore, the aim of this study was to study the effect of asparagus decline on leaf nutrients accumulation and on the yield and quality of commercial spears. Another aim was to analyze the possible allelopathic effect on another species. For this, mineral nutrients, phenolic compounds and quality indicators were analyzed in plants and spears from two asparagus plots (with and without decline symptoms) and germination tests were conducted using lettuce seeds. Decline plants did not show great changes in macronutrient concentration but they showed low B and high Fe concentrations. Leaves and rhizomes from the plot with decline presented higher phenolic compounds, highlighting caffeic acid in rhizomes. However, spears did not present higher phenolic compounds. Likewise, decline decreased the market spear quality and yield but slightly increased some quality indicators such as chlorophylls, carotenoids, ascorbate, and antioxidant capacity. On the other hand, extracts from the decline plot reduced lettuce germination and epicotyl growth suggesting an allelopathic effect. The obtained results are useful to a better understanding of the decline issue and provided valuable information for producers to manage and control its effects on asparagus quality.

The quality of asparagus as affected by preharvest factors

Abstract Asparagus quality is very important for both growers and consumers. Among the commercial grading standards, the appearance (shape, size and color) of the spear is the most critical quality attribute. However, organoleptic attributes (texture, taste, aroma, flavor and bitterness) determine whether asparagus is accepted or rejected by the consumer, while the presence of bioactive compounds, beneficial for human health, is becoming increasingly valued. This review details the effect of genetic, environmental, agronomic and harvest factors on asparagus quality attributes, especially the organoleptic ones and describes the related physiological mechanisms. Finally, the challenges and opportunities related to develop branded asparagus as superior source of potential benefits to consumers’ health are highlighted.

Detection of Bioactive Compounds in Organically and Conventionally Grown Asparagus Spears

In the recent reports, there are contradictory conclusions about the nutritional and health properties of organic and conventionally growing vegetables. We hypothesized that organic cultivation system results in higher quality of asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.) because of organic manure and effective organisms. Therefore, new analytical methods were applied in order to find the differences in bioactive compounds between the plants growing under various cultivation systems. Total antioxidant capacities (TAC) of the conventional and organic greenhouse and conventional open-field farming of asparagus spears were determined by 2,2-azino-bis (3-ethyl-benzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS), 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH), and ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays, and UHPLC-PDA-MS was used for identification of some phenolic acids and flavonoids. Total phenolic compounds (TPC), total flavonoids, rutin, vitamin C, chlorophylls, carotenoids, and the values of TAC, determined in organic growing asparagus spears, were higher than in conventional, but not always significant. The applied for the first time FTIR spectroscopy as an estimation of the differences between the investigated samples showed more prominent bands in the region of polyphenols in organic asparagus spears than in conventional and provides a rapid and precise alternative to other methods. The binding properties of extracted polyphenols to HSA determined by 3D-fluorescence were relatively higher in organic asparagus spears than in other samples. Correlation between the amounts of total polyphenols and flavonoids and their quenching properties showed a linear relationship. All proposed analytical methods can be applied to a variety of studied plants.

Sensory evaluation of white asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.) hybrids

Comprehensive system of sensory evaluation was developed to obtain information on the different varieties by determining asparagus quality parameters. 9 sensory characteristics were estimated to describe flavour differences. The tests were carried out in 4 varieties of white asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.) grown on brown humus sand soil by etiolate method in ridge cultivation. The experiment was performed at the University of Debrecen in Debrecen-Pallag. To increase the Hungarian asparagus consumption, a classification of varietiesregarding to asparagus flavour is necessary. In our experiment it could be stated that there are strict correlations (0.892) between the sweetness – total impression and between lacks of unpleasant aftertaste – total impression (0.870). The result of surveys can lead to higher popularity of the asparagus. These results are presented in order to recommend the varieties to producers for a successful marketing. The taste of asparagus is mostly influenced by variety, soil type and growing conditions. In our experiment, ‘Vitalim’ hybrid exceeded by several sensory parameters. This hybrid scored 788.38 over 900. The elder population showed more interest in asparagus consumption than younger ones. 50% of the participants are able to pay only 500-600 HUF/kg. It could be realized to ensure the proper growing place, hybrid and direct trade. Marketing and more information is necessary to increase the popularity of this vegetable among the younger generation.

Combination of fogging and refrigeration for white asparagus preservation on vegetable stalls

The aim of this study was to assess the combined effect of fogging and cold plate refrigeration on white asparagus quality during storage on a vegetable stall. Of the three storage conditions (Control, C; Fog, F; and Fog-Cold plate, FC), FC ensured that white asparagus retained a fresher appearance and had a longer shelf life (at least 5 d). Weight loss was reduced in products stored under FC conditions; meanwhile, weight loss was up to 14% when asparagus were stored under C conditions for 3 d. In the case of asparagus stored under F and C, browning was observed and the visual appearance of the product deteriorated obviously after 1 d, whereas for products stored under FC, such deterioration occurred only after 3 d or more. The results demonstrated that FC could be a promising technique for white asparagus storage on vegetable stalls.

Postharvest noninvasive classification of tough-fibrous asparagus using computed tomography images

This research was devised to evaluate Computed Tomography (CT) for asparagus fibrousness detection and more specifically develop and test an automatic image analysis method (algorithm) to classify CT images obtained from 859 asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.) segment (samples), collected during two harvesting seasons (2014 and 2015). Classification accuracy was calculated by comparing the classes obtained using a combination of imaging, image processing, feature extraction, and classification schemes per asparagus segment against an industry-simulated invasive quality assessment.Grayscale intensity and textural features, 3762 total, were extracted from minimum and maximum resultant images from three CT planer views. A 4-fold cross-validation linear discriminant classifier with a performance accuracy of 91.2% was developed using 75 relevant features, which were selected using a sequential forward selection algorithm with the Fisher discriminant objective function. This objective method is accurate in determining the presence of tough-fibrous tissue in asparagus, which demonstrates a potential for such technology to objectively forecast asparagus quality and thus supports the asparagus industry through optimizing consumer acceptability and product utilization.

Combined Application of Carboxymethyl Chitosan Coating and Brassinolide Maintains the Postharvest Quality and Shelf Life of Green Asparagus

The combined effects of carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCH) coating and brassinolide (BR) on the sensory quality and physicochemical characteristics of green asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.) stored at 4 ± 1C and 90–95% relative humidity for 24 days were investigated. The combined treatment (CMCH + BR) inhibited respiration rate and water loss, maintained higher concentrations of ascorbic acid, total phenolics and DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) radical-scavenging activity, and restrained the increase of malondialdehyde and electrolyte leakage of asparagus spears during storage. The activities of superoxide dismutase, ascorbate peroxidase and catalase were enhanced by CMCH + BR, while the activity of phenylalanine ammonia lyase was significantly inhibited, which resulted in lower lignin content and tender texture. Sensory evaluation also confirmed that the efficacy of CMCH + BR treatment was better than that of CMCH coating or BR treatment alone. Our study suggests that CMCH + BR coating has the potential to maintain the quality of asparagus spears and extend its postharvest life. Practical Applications This paper investigates the effect of carboxymethyl chitosan combined with brassinolide on the storage quality of green asparagus. The results presented demonstrate that the effect of the combined treatment on the sensory quality and physicochemical characteristics should be considered by processors as a preservation technique.

Effect of chitosan coatings on postharvest green asparagus quality

Fresh postharvest green asparagus rapidly deteriorate due to its high respiration rate. The main benefits of edible active coatings are their edible characteristics, biodegradability and increase in food safety. In this study, the quality of the edible coatings based on 0.50%, 0.25% high-molecular weight chitosan (H-chitosan), and 0.50%, 0.25% low-molecular weight chitosan (L-chitosan) on postharvest green asparagus was investigated. On the basis of the results obtained, 0.25% H-chitosan and 0.50% L-chitosan treatments ensured lower color variation, less weight loss and less ascorbic acid, decrease presenting better quality of asparagus than other concentrations of chitosan treatments and the control during the cold storage, and prolonging a shelf life of postharvest green asparagus.