Influence of different types of modified atmosphere packaging films and storage time on quality and bioactive compounds in fresh-cut cauliflower

Minimal or fresh processing of cauliflower is becoming much more common than using the intact cauliflower in food service and retail markets as a convenience product. Therefore, the objective is to investigate the effect of different types of modified atmosphere packaging films and storage time on postharvest quality and bioactive compounds in fresh-cut cauliflower. Fresh-cut cauliflowers were packed in different films [Polypropylene (gas concentrations at equilibrium: (0.38%, O-2, 28.53%, CO2), Peakfresh (19.4%O-2 & 1.62% CO2), 20% fixed area of NatureFlex film + 80% Bi-axially Polypropylene (6.06%O-2 & 11.43%CO2) and 40% fixed area of NatureFlex film + 60% Bi-axially Polypropylene (16.87% O-2 & 5.87% CO2) and stored at 5 C and 85% RH for up to 12 days. Samples were withdrawn at 4 day intervals. The optimal colour retention, characteristic cauliflower odour, and overall acceptance was highest up to day 8 in a package with 20% fixed area of NatureFlex, which can be recommended for packaging of fresh-cut cauliflower. The Polypropylene packed samples showed the highest total phenol, flavonoid (quercetin), FRAP, ABTS activity on day 4. On day 8, retention of glucobrassicin, 4-methoxy glucobrassicin, 1-methoxy glucobrassicin concentrations showed the following order: Poplypropylene > 20% fixed area of NatureFlex > 40% fixed area of NatrueFlex.