Stability of fresh-cut cabbage packed in low density polyethylene under active modified atmosphere and in expanded polyestyrene trays wrapped with PVC was evaluated. The fresh-cut product was stored for 16 days in a cold room at 5 ± 1 °C and 95 ± 5% RH and in a refrigerated display case similar to those found in grocery stores. The following variables were analyzed: content of oxygen and carbon dioxide inside the package headspace; browning, luminosity, polyphenoloxidase and peroxidase activities, pH, titratable acidity; soluble solids, fresh mass loss, and ascorbic acid content. The stability of fresh-cut cabbage was higher at the temperature of 5 °C compared to those stored in the refrigerated displays. The active modified atmosphere was not effective in extending the shelf life of fresh-cut cabbage compared to other treatments. LDPE packaging was more adequate for fresh-cut cabbage storage. However, PVC wrapping also presented satisfactory effects.
Brassica oleracea var. capitata; active modified atmosphere; passive modified atmosphere; shelf life
