High oxygen and high carbon dioxide modified atmospheres for shelf-life extension of minimally processed carrots

The impact of high O-2 + high CO2 modified atmospheres (MA), on the preservation of minimally processed carrots was studied. A combination of 50% O-2 + 30% CO2 prolonged the shelf life of sliced carrots compared to storage in air by 2 to 3 d. When the carrots received a pre-treatment with a 0.1% citric acid dip and a sodium alginate edible coating prior to packaging, shelf life was extended by 5 to 7 d. Advantages and disadvantages of the proposed MA over previously recommended MA (1% O-2 + 10% CO2), related to a range of physicochemical and microbiological characteristics of carrots are discussed.