Quality and Shelf-life of Minimally Processed Cauliflower

Abstract

Cauliflower has been described as a vegetable with a high nutritional value due to its important content of vitamins, antioxidants and anti-carcinogenic compounds. Cauliflower inflorescences are harvested while they are totally immature, which implies severe changes in nutrient, water and hormonal status. Harvesting and the following processing can cause a severe stress determining the appearance of accelerated senescence symptoms. The effect of processing and cold storage of minimally processed cauliflower were investigated. Florets were treated with antioxidants before storage in PE bags at 4°C for 14 days. During storage period, weight loss, colour, firmness, SSC, pH, titratable acidity, clorophyll and ascorbic acid content were evaluated. Cauliflower showed a good shelf life and overall quality maintenance but also susceptibility to browning.