• Horticultural Science & Technology
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• v.31 no.2
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• pp.186-193
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• 2013

Potential of consumer unit packaging was investigated for quality maintenance during export simulation in king oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus eryngii). Mushrooms were harvested in late May, precooled to $4^{\circ}C$ within 6 hours, and then packaged for shipping in two ways: 2 kg bulk packaging in a polyethylene (PE) bag or three types of unit packaging methods such as 400 g in polypropylene film bag (PPB), 200 g on styrofoam tray + PE shrinkage film wrapping (STW), and 200 g in polyethylene terephthalate (PET) containers (PETC). For local distribution of bulk-packaged commodity, mushrooms were sorted again and packaged into 3 consumer units in the same way as for the initial shipping packages. Simulation of refrigerated container shipping was performed in a walk-in type pilot storage at $0.5^{\circ}C$ for 5 weeks, while local marketing simulation was carried out on the shelf at $7^{\circ}C$ for 7 days. During the shipment simulation, creation of modified atmosphere (MA) was substantial in 2 kg bulk packages with low $O_2$ below 2% and high $CO_2$ over 15% whereas, in PPB and PETC unit packages, relatively higher $O_2$ concentrations were observed. On the shelf at $7^{\circ}C$, $CO_2$ concentrations rapidly increased in PPB and PETC packages despite the short marketing period. Overall marketability evaluated by off-flavor, browning, and texture rating was maintained at excellent level when 2 kg bulk packaging in PE or unit packaging in PPB and PETC were used for shipment. In contrast, establishment of MA was very slight in STW packages during shipment and local distribution resulting in poor quality after export simulation. The results suggested that shipment using adequate consumer unit packaging is more practical and economically beneficial than using bulk packaging in the export program consisting of 5-week shipment and 7-day local distribution.

• Horticultural Science & Technology
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.118-122
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• 1999

Quality changes of fruit vegetables were investigated during simulated export and marketing to find out the optimum shipping temperature. Fruit vegetables were loaded into a small refrigerated-container and kept for four days at various temperatures, and fruit quality was assayed immediately after harvest, 4 days after storage and 4 days after marketing at ambient temperature. In 'Back Seong Ilho' cucumber fruits, fresh weight loss was further reduced at $13^{\circ}C$ and $11^{\circ}C$ than at $15^{\circ}C$ and room temperature. Soluble solid contents remained at relatively lower levels when cucumbers were stored at $13^{\circ}C$ and $11^{\circ}C$. In 'Chun Ryang' eggplant fruits, fresh weight loss was greatly increased at all the temperatures (room, $12^{\circ}C,\;9^{\circ}C,\;and\;6^{\circ}C$). However, flesh browning, a primary quality factor of eggplant fruit, was most effectively inhibited at $9^{\circ}C$, whereas chilling injury occurred in fruit flesh at $6^{\circ}C$. Water loss of 'Eals Seinu' melon fruits was most inhibited and soluble solid contents at harvest were maintained for the longest period at $4^{\circ}C$. In 'Pe Pe' cherry tomatoes, storage at $10^{\circ}C$ and $7^{\circ}C$ seemed to more effectively inhibit metabolic changes and the incidence of cracking, the severest disorder than room temperature. But the fruits stored at $10^{\circ}C$ contained higher level of soluble solids than those at $7^{\circ}C$. The overall results suggest that the optimum shipping temperature range is 11 to $13^{\circ}C$ for cucumbers, around $9^{\circ}C$ for eggplant fruit, $4^{\circ}C$ for melons, and $10^{\circ}C$ for cherry tomatoes.