Effect of Corrugated Shipping Container with Polyethylene Laminated Liner on Quality Stability of Broccoli during Storage at Ambient Temperature

Abstract

Effect of corrugated shipping container with polyethylene laminated liner (30μm in thickness) on quality stability of broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica) buds was investigated during storage at 20°C, compared with usual corrugated shipping container as control. In the usual container as control, the yellowing and wilting of broccoli buds occurred after storage of 2 days. On the other hand, the container with polyethylene laminated liner kept quality of broccoli buds for 3 days even at 20°C. The decrease of levels of chemical components, including chlorophyll, total sugar and ascorbic acid, in the container with polyethylene laminated liner was also less than that in usual container. The concentrations of carbon dioxide and oxygen in the container with polyethylene laminated liner during storage were 5-10% and 6-16%, respectively, suggesting that the quality maintenance of broccoli buds in this container with polyethylene laminated liner was ascribed to modify atmosphere effect.