Combined effects of irradiation and modified atmosphere packaging on minimally processed Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa L.)

Cut Chinese cabbage with air, CO2 or CO2/N-2 packaging was irradiated at doses up to 2 kGy and the microbiological and physicochemical qualities were investigated during a refrigerated storage for 3 weeks. Irradiation significantly reduced the microorganisms, and additionally, the modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) enhanced the reduction of the total aerobic and coliform bacteria during storage. Irradiation effectively inhibited the changes of the titratable acidity and pH, while a significant effect was not shown in the texture by irradiation. Antiradical and antioxidant activity, and the phenolic contents were slightly increased by irradiation at 0.5 kGy, while the phenolic contents were reduced by irradiation over 1 kGy. Our results suggest that irradiation at 1 kGy or above can be used to enhance the microbial safety of cut Chinese cabbage without a significant loss in the quality attributes. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.