Development of modified atmosphere packages on the quality of sicilian kale (Brassica oleracea var. acephala) shoots

Since some decades, and also in the present global economic crisis, the requestfor fresh-cut products has showed an increasing trend, and its productive chainrepresent one of the most remunerative activity of agriculture. In this frame wepointed our attention to diversify fresh-cut vegetable items by several minor and/orunderutilized crops and in some case by wild species gathered and utilized asvegetables in Sicily. Kale (Brassica oleracea var. acephala) shoots seem to be of greatinterest for fresh-cut production both for its environmental friendly growing techniquesand nutraceutical properties, as it is rich in antioxidants compounds asascorbic acid, total polyphenols, carotenoids and glucosinolates. The use of low level ofoxygen (O2) and of high level of carbon dioxide (CO2) atmosphere appeared useful formaintain quality and extend shelf-life for several vegetables. In this condition theplant reduces respiration process that involves a complex biochemical reactions,delayed ripening and senescence and also reduces fungal development. Besides,refrigeration is important for elongate the shelf-life but modified atmospherepackaging (MAP) is an important complementary technique to apply. We studied akale Sicilian type evaluating three modified atmospheres (air, 70% N2:30% CO2;100% CO2), three temperature levels (0, 4 and 8°C) during three storage times (0, 3and 7 days). Every day, the percentages of oxygen and carbon dioxide, colourparameters (CIE L*, a* and b*) and dry weight of the shoots were monitored. Resultsshowed the best shoots quality utilizing 70% N2:30% CO2 storage atmosphere at 4°C,the product is kept in good condition for all seven days. This study has improvedknowledge about the respiration process and variation of color of kale shoots inrelation to modified atmospheres packaging, temperature and time.