title: Effect of modified atmosphere packaging on the quality and bioactive compounds of Chinese cabbage (Brasicca rapa L. ssp. chinensis).
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The perishability of Brassica chinensis poses a major challenge to distribution and marketing. The aim of this work was to select a suitable modified atmosphere packaging to retain the overall quality and bioactive compounds during storage.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Four types of biorientated polypropylene packaging (BOPP)--BOPP03, BOPP04, BOPP05 and BOPP06--with different perforations were evaluated regarding the maintenance of quality parameters (weight loss, leaf yellowing, colour L*, C*, h°), decay, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, bioactive compounds (carotenoids, ascorbic acid, total phenolic compounds), antioxidant scavenging activity, overall appearance and odour evaluation, at 10°C at 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 days. Leaves were packed in BOPP (two 2-mm holes) and packed and unpacked leaves were included for comparison. The modified atmosphere created (2% O2 and 7% CO2) inside the BOPP05 reduced leaf yellowing (higher h°), improved the overall appearance with acceptable odour, moderately maintained chlorophyll a and b, bioactive compounds and antioxidant scavenging activity, and remained marketable for up to 10 days at 10°C. Gas composition within the packages influenced the retention of bioactive compounds and overall quality.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Application of BOPP05 is a promising method for extending the shelf life of B. chinensis leaves in order to promote its utilisation and commercialisation via urban fresh-produce markets.
authors.affiliation: Postharvest Technology Group, Department of Crop Sciences, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria West Campus, South Africa.
authors.forename: Bevly Mmakatane
authors.initials: BM
authors.lastname: Mampholo
authors.forename: Dharini
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Sivakumar
authors.forename: Mervyn
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Beukes
authors.forename: Willem Jansen
authors.initials: WJ
authors.lastname: van Rensburg
mesh_terms: D001272:Atmosphere; D029741:Brassica rapa / Q000737:chemistry / Q000145:classification*; D002245:Carbon Dioxide / Q000737:chemistry*; D002338:Carotenoids / Q000737:chemistry; D002734:Chlorophyll / Q000737:chemistry; D004573:Electrolytes / Q000737:chemistry; D018857:Food Packaging; D005519:Food Preservation; D010100:Oxygen / Q000737:chemistry*; D018515:Plant Leaves; D011126:Polypropylenes / Q000145:classification
chemical_list: D004573:Electrolytes; D011126:Polypropylenes; D002734:Chlorophyll; D002245:Carbon Dioxide; D002338:Carotenoids; D010100:Oxygen