Title: Controlled atmosphere storage for preservation of Salicornia ramosissima

Authors: Maria Filomena de Jesus Raposo, Rui Manuel Santos Costa De Morais, Alcina Maria Miranda Bernardo De Morais

Addresses: CBQF/ Escola Superior de Biotecnologia, Universidade Catolica Portuguesa, Rua Dr. Antonio Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal. ' CBQF/ Escola Superior de Biotecnologia, Universidade Catolica Portuguesa, Rua Dr. Antonio Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal. ' CBQF/ Escola Superior de Biotecnologia, Universidade Catolica Portuguesa, Rua Dr. Antonio Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal

Abstract: Salicornia is a halophytic plant that grows near salt marshes and salted wetlands, very rich in vitamins, minerals and highly unsaturated oils. Because of its biochemical composition and despite salinity, Salicornia is considered a gourmet product. Since stems present a short shelf life, the aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of controlled atmosphere on quality of Salicornia ramosissima during four weeks at 4°C. Vitamin C and chlorophyll contents were determined, and microbiological and sensory analyses were performed. Salicornia shoots preserved better the visual appearance and L-ascorbic acid for three weeks of storage under CA with 3% oxygen and 10% carbon dioxide, although chlorophyll was better preserved in air. All samples were microbiologically safe during all storage. CA storage, especially in 3% oxygen and 10% carbon dioxide seems to be a good method to preserve Salicornia ramosissima shoots.

Keywords: Salicornia ramosissima shoots; controlled atmosphere; vitamin C; chlorophyll; mesophilic bacteria; coliforms; yeasts; moulds; crispness; succulence; salinity; bitterness; postharvest technology; controlled storage; gourmet products; product quality; food quality.

DOI: 10.1504/IJPTI.2009.030688

International Journal of Postharvest Technology and Innovation, 2009 Vol.1 No.4, pp.394 - 404

Received: 31 Jan 2009
Accepted: 20 Apr 2009
Published online: 30 Dec 2009 *

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