Effect of Transportation and Storage Conditions on the Quality of Asparagus Spears

Abstract

　Asparagus spears continue to grow even after harvest, but their quality may deteriorate over time. Therefore, methods for maintaining freshness are needed to ensure the quality and function of harvested asparagus spears. In this study, we examined the changes in the external appearance, Brix levels, moisture content, and hardness of sixth-year spears of 'Zenyu Yodel (NJ953)' for spring harvest under varying conditions of transportation and storage, including their orientation during storage. Asparagus spears transported and stored at low (chilling) temperatures showed better quality characteristics than those transported and stored under non-chilling conditions. Furthermore, the quality of spears stored vertically in water was better than that of spears stored horizontally. Moreover, in the asparagus spears transported at low temperature, Brix levels were lower in spears stored in water than in those stored without water. Wilting was also not observed in the spears stored in water. These results suggest that transportation conditions, storage temperature, and orientation of the asparagus spears during storage influence their quality.