Prediction of sugar consumption in shredded cabbage using a respiratory model

The relationship between respiration and sugar consumption of shredded cabbage was examined. Respiration rate (RR) of shredded cabbage was determined at 5 degrees C for 96 h and 20 degrees C for 48 h, and total CO2 production estimated by integrating RR. Glucose, fructose and sucrose of shredded cabbage were also determined, and total sugar obtained as the sum of these sugars. The decrease in total sugar with time at both temperatures was recorded. Total CO2 production was calculated from the decrease in total sugar, which was assumed to be caused by oxidation of sugar in a respiratory reaction. Experiments were carried out twice. Total CO2 production obtained by integrating RRs was approximately equal to that calculated from the decrease in total sugar. Accordingly, it was confirmed that CO2 emitted from shredded cabbage was mostly derived from sugar. To predict sugar consumption, a previously developed respiratory model was applied. The model could sufficiently predict RRs of shredded cabbage at varying temperatures (15 --> 25 --> 15 degrees C). Therefore, the decrease in total sugar was predicted from total CO2 production, obtained using the respiratory model. In addition, the predicted total sugar content agreed well with experimentally determined values. Therefore, it was considered that sugar consumption of shredded cabbage could be predicted by applying the respiratory model. (C) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.