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 O2 (0.25%, 0.5%, and 1%) or high CO2 (3%, 6%, and I0%) at 0, 5, and 10C. Oxygen consumption and CO2 production were reduced under low O2 or high CO2 atmosphere, the reduction being greater at lower O2 and higher CO2 levels. No differences were found in ethylene production among the different atmospheres. Low O2 and high CO2 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 O2 or high CO2, but offensive off-odor occurred in 0.25% O2 at all temperatures and 0.5% O2 at 10C. These results indicate that the best O2 and CO2 levels seem to be 0.5% O2 and 10% CO2 at 0 and 5C, and 10% O2 and 10% CO2 at 10C.