Resumo

OSORIO-CORDOBA, J. et al. Conservation of cactus stems 'Milpa Alta' (Opuntia ficus indica Mill.) in modified atmosphere packaging. Rev. Mex. Ing. Quím [online]. 2011, vol.10, n.1, pp.93-104. ISSN 1665-2738.

The effect of modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) at 4 °C on the storage life of 'Milpa Alta' cactus stems without spines was studied. Atmospheres containing air, 5 kPa O₂ + 4 kPa CO₂ and Nitrogen were applied. Quality attributes and the production of fermentation metabolites were evaluated during the storage. Results indicated that 'Milpa Alta' cactus stems had a significant reduction in titratable acidity (TA), but not significant changes were found in firmness and color values in cactus stems during storage. The weight loss was higher in control (6-8 %) than in MAPs stored cactus stems (0.1 to 0.8 %). Control and treated cladodes showed browning symptoms on areas where spines were removed, but MAPs delay the time when they appeared and the damage intensity. Also, cactus stems kept in MAPs showed an increase in acetaldehyde and ethanol production. The MAP with nitrogen induced the lowest levels of fermentation metabolites and preserved the quality of Milpa Alta cactus stems up to 20 days in storage.

Palavras-chave : quality; wounding; refrigeration; acetaldehyde; ethanol; cladodes; cactus stems; Milpa Alta.

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