Abstract

CRUZ-ALVAREZ, Oscar et al. Changes in post-harvest quality of peppermint (Mentha x piperita L.) under refrigeration. Rev. Chapingo Ser.Hortic [online]. 2013, vol.19, n.3, pp.287-299. ISSN 2007-4034.  https://doi.org/10.5154/r.rchsh.2012.11.062.

The aim of this research was to evaluate the effect of low temperatures on the postharvest physiology of peppermint (Mentha x piperita L.). Its behavior while stored at two temperatures (6 and 10 °C) compared to a control at room temperature (20 ±2 °C) was studied. A completely randomized experimental design with 4 replications was used. Respiration rate (RR), ethylene production (EP), weight loss (WL), total chlorophyll (TC), carotenoids (C) and titratable acidity (TA) were determined. A hedonic evaluation was performed (external appearance, color scale, yellowing, the development of bad odors, leaf abscission and rots). Results show that the refrigeration treatments (6 and 10 °C) maintained RR and EP with values of between 2.57 and 6.65 mL CO₂^.kg^-1.h^-1 and 0.04 and 0.27 µL C₂H₄^.kg^-1.h^-1, respectively. WL decreased by 50 % and TC and C were preserved. Cooling enabled maintaining RR and EP without significant changes. Additionally, reduced changes were observed in WL, TC, C, TA and external quality traits required for marketing peppermint.

Keywords : Storage; respiration rate; chlorophyll content; hedonic scale.

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