This study evaluated the effect of antioxidant application on quality and physiological aspects of minimally-processed escarole (Cichorium endivia var. latifolia L.) stored at 0 °C and 90–95% relative humidity for 21 d. After minimal processing, leaves were immersed for 5 min in the following solutions: deionized water-control (CT), 1% ascorbic acid (AA), 1% citric acid (CA), 1% oxalic acid (OA), and 2% ethylenediamine-tetraacetic acid (EDTA). Excess water was removed and they were then packed in trays of expanded polystyrene and stored at 0 °C and 90–95% relative humidity for 21 d. Analyses were performed on day 0, after 1 h of processing, and then at intervals of 3 d. The 1% CA treatment maintained the highest levels of endogenous ascorbic acid and pigment content, as well as the lowest values of weight loss and Browning Index (BI). Microbiological development was within the limits established during storage for all treatments. Total phenolic compound content and the activity of polyphenol oxidase and peroxidase enzymes showed variations among treatments. Observing all results, it was concluded that 1% CA was the best antioxidant for the maintenance of the quality attributes of minimally-processed escarole for up to 21 d in cold storage at 0 °C.

Este trabalho tem como objetivo verificar a possibilidade de aplicação de vapor de etanol para a destanização, associado ao 1-metilciclopropeno (1-MCP) para prolongar o armazenamento de caquis 'Giombo' em ambiente refrigerado, evitando rápido amolecimento de polpa, decorrente do processo de destanização. Os seguintes tratamentos foram realizados: T1) controle: frutos sem tratamento, apenas colocados sob armazenamento refrigerado (AR); T2) aplicação de etanol (3,50mL kg-1 durante 12h) + AR; T3) aplicação de 1-MCP (1000nL L-1 durante 12h) + AR; T4) aplicação de 1-MCP e posterior aplicação de etanol + AR; T5) aplicação de 1-MCP + AR + aplicação de etanol após o AR. O AR consistiu no armazenamento dos frutos por 30 dias a 5ºC e 90% UR. Posteriormente, os frutos foram mantidos a 25oC durante 15 dias. Frutos não tratados (controle) e os tratados com 1-MCP apresentaram maior firmeza de polpa que os demais tratamentos, mas não alcançaram a destanização. Frutos submetidos ao etanol apresentaram rápida perda de adstringência, acompanhado de elevada perda de firmeza. O 1-MCP, quando aplicado antes do armazenamento, em frutos que posteriormente à refrigeração foram tratados com etanol, manteve mais alta a firmeza de polpa em relação aos frutos que foram submetidos ao etanol imediatamente à aplicação do 1-MCP e aqueles tratados apenas com etanol. Esse tratamento pode ser utilizado nessa cultivar para manter a qualidade durante a comercialização.

Degreening is a postharvest technique that consists of applying ethylene to oranges fresh fruits to improve skin color. In Brazil, this technique is still not widely applied due to a lack of specific research, resulting in poor fruit coloration, which limits the oranges’ exportation. The objective of this study was to investigate the de-greening effect of ethylene application after cold storage in ‘Valencia’ oranges. The ethylene treatments (0; 5 and 10 µL L-1 for 96 h at 22°C) were applied after storage for 30 days at 5°C. After ethylene application, the fruit were stored for three days at 22°C to simulate a shelf life. The skin color rate enhanced after ethylene treatment due to increased chlorophyllase activity. The content of carotenoids did not change, nor did the soluble solids, titratable acidity, ratio, percentage of juice and ascorbic acid content. The levels of acetaldehyde and ethanol in the juice were also assessed, and unpleasant odors or flavors did not occur despite a small increase in the acetaldehyde content. Therefore, the ethylene application after cold storage is efficient to improve the skin color of ‘Valencia’ orange without changing the internal quality.