Different Oxygen Transmission Rate Packing Films During Modified Atmosphere Storage: Effects on Asparagus Spear Quality

The aim of this study was to determine suitable oxygen transmission rate (OTR) films for modified atmosphere (MA) storage of asparagus spears (Asparagus officinalis L.), and to examine the related changes in asparagus spear quality. Asparagus spears were packed with 10,000, 20,000, 40,000, 70,000, and $100,000cc/m^2{\cdot}day{\cdot}atm$ OTR film treatments for MA storage, and perforated film (conventional storage) was used as the control. The fresh weight loss rate was less than 1% in all OTR film treatments but not in the control. In all OTR film treatments, ethylene content rapidly increased on the first day of storage, and gradually decreased thereafter to $2.0{\mu}L{\cdot}L^{-1}$ by the final storage day. In the 10,000 cc and 20,000 cc OTR film treatments, carbon dioxide content was maintained within the permissible range for asparagus spears under recommended controlled atmosphere (CA) and MA conditions (5-12%). The oxygen content was maintained between 12% and 20% in all OTR film treatments. Hue angles and total chlorophyll content were highest in the 10,000 cc OTR film treatment in both tips and stems. Visual quality was maintained at a saleable level only in the 10,000 cc OTR film treatment until the final storage day (25 days). Based on sensory evaluation, the least off-odor was detected in the 10,000 cc OTR film treatment, and the most in the control treatment. While the soluble solids content decreased with all film treatments, it was maintained at the highest level in the 10,000 cc OTR film treatment. Vitamin C content decreased with all film treatments during storage, but was maintained at higher levels in the 10,000, 20,000, and 40,000 cc OTR film treatments. The firmness of tips and stems increased with storage duration in all film treatments, stems were firmer under the perforated film, 10,000, and 20,000 cc OTR film treatments. Given these results, the 10,000 cc OTR film treatment is considered the most appropriate for MA asparagus spear storage since visual quality and soluble solids content were maintained, and fresh weight loss, vitamin C content, off-odor, and yellowing were suppressed during storage.