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Evaluation of packaging films to extend storage life of indigenous Australian vegetables and herbs

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Sultanbawa, Y., Duong, M. S., Sanderson, J., Cusack, A., Chaliha, M., Currie, M., Pun, S. and Smyth, H. (2015) Evaluation of packaging films to extend storage life of indigenous Australian vegetables and herbs. Acta Hort . pp. 183-190. ISSN 2406-6168

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Article Link: http://dx.doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2015.1102.23

Abstract

A study undertaken in Hervey Bay, Queensland, investigated the potential of creating an indigenous agribusiness opportunity based on the cultivation of indigenous Australian vegetables and herbs. Included were warrigal greens (WG) (Tetragonia tetragonioides), a green leafy vegetable and the herb sea celery (SC) (Apium prostratum); both traditional foods of the indigenous population and highly desirable to chefs wishing to add a unique, indigenous flavour to modern dishes. Packaging is important for shelf life extension and minimisation of postharvest losses in horticultural products. The ability of two packaging films to extend WG and SC shelf life was investigated. These were Antimisted Biaxial Oriented Polypropylene packaging film (BOPP) without perforations and Antifog BOPP Film with microperforations. Weight loss, packaging headspace composition, colour changes, sensory differences and microbial loads of packed WG and SC leaves were monitored to determine the impact of film oxygen transmission rate (OTR) and film water vapour transmission (WVT) on stored product quality. WG and SC were harvested, sanitised, packed and stored at 4°C for 16 days. Results indicated that the OTR and WVT rates of the package film significantly (PKLEINERDAN0.05) influenced the package headspace and weight loss, but did not affect product colour, total bacteria, yeast and mould populations during storage. There was no significant difference (PGROTERDAN0.05) in aroma, appearance, texture and flavour for WG and SC during storage. It was therefore concluded that a shelf life of 16 days at 4°C, where acceptable sensory properties were retained, was achievable for WG and SC in both packaging films.

Item Type:Article
Business groups:Crop and Food Science
Subjects:Agriculture > Agriculture (General) > Storage
Plant culture > Harvesting, curing, storage
Plant culture > Food crops
Plant culture > Vegetables
Live Archive:02 Feb 2016 02:36
Last Modified:01 Dec 2022 04:55

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