Optimum O2 or CO2 Atmosphere for Storing Broccoli Florets at Various Temperatures

Abstract

`Marathon' broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. var. italica) florets were stored in air, low O 2 (0.25%, 0.5%, and 1 %) or high CO 2 (3%,6%, and 10%) at 0, 5, and 10C. Oxygen consumption and CO 2 production were reduced under low O 2 or high CO 2 atmosphere, the reduction being greater at lower O 2 and higher CO 2 levels. N o differences were found in ethylene production among the different atmospheres. Low O 2 and high CO 2 retained color of broccoli florets to about the same extent at 10C but had no effect at 0 and 5C. Development of soft rot and browning was suppressed by low O 2 or high CO 2 , but offensive off-odor occurred in 0.25%02 at all temperatures and 0.5% O 2 at 10C. These results indicate that the best O 2 and CO 2 levels seem to be 0.5% O 2 and 10% CO 2 at 0 and 5C, and 1% O 2 and 10% CO 2 at 10C.