QUALITY CHANGES IN FRESH-CUT SPINACH (SPINACIA OLERACEA) UNDER MODIFIED ATMOSPHERES WITH PERFORATIONS

Fresh-cut spinach leaves were stored for 4 days at 15C and 75% relative humidity under modified atmosphere packaging to assess the impact of differential in-pack gas atmospheres generated through different packaging films and variable in-pack weight on the quality of stored produce. After 4 days of storage, retention of chlorophyll, β-carotene and ascorbic acid was better in low-density polyethylene (LDPE) packages than in polypropylene (PP) packages. LDPE film-packaged samples had higher phenolic content than PP film-packaged samples. Low in-pack O2 (1–2 kPa) along with the buildup of CO2 (8–10 kPa) seems to have enhanced the retention of antioxidant components, i.e., β-carotene and ascorbic acid, in LDPE packages. This helped in chlorophyll retention and also prevented formation of oxidation compounds of phenols that otherwise caused browning of cut surfaces. Thus, O2 and CO2 permeability of packaging film or in-pack weight of produce might be such that equilibrated O2 partial pressures remain near to 1–2 kPa so as to affect a beneficial increase in the phenolic content along with concomitant retention of chlorophyll. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS Fresh-cut spinach leaves have received an enormous demand due to their utility in various traditional Indian preparations. Shelf life and quality of fresh-cut produce may be greatly reduced due to high rates of respiration. Traditional packaging and handling techniques reduce the shelf life and sensory quality of fresh-cut spinach. Temperature control and atmospheric modifications help to maintain produce quality by reducing respiration rate and enhance shelf life by minimizing the adverse effects of cutting. This research focused on evaluation of respiratory behavior of fresh-cut spinach leaves at a temperature commonly encountered during transportation and retail distribution, i.e., 15C, and the effect of different polymeric films and in-pack weights on produce quality. The results of the study suggest that packaging of fresh-cut spinach in polymeric film packages could maintain the sensory quality and reduce degradation of various physicochemical constituents. Utilization of the results for proper design of modified atmosphere packages for this highly perishable produce can prove to be extremely beneficial for safe storage and transportation to urban retail markets.