Controlled atmosphere storage for preservation of Salicornia ramosissima

Salicornia is a halophytic plant that grows near salt marshes and salted wetlands, very rich in vitamins, minerals and highly unsaturated oils. Because of its biochemical composition and despite salinity, Salicornia is considered a gourmet product. Since stems present a short shelf life, the aim of...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Raposo, M. F. (author)
Other Authors: Morais, R. M. S. C. (author), Morais, A. M. M. B. (author)
Format: article
Language:eng
Published: 2010
Subjects:
Online Access:http://hdl.handle.net/10400.14/2700
Country:Portugal
Oai:oai:repositorio.ucp.pt:10400.14/2700
Description
Summary:Salicornia is a halophytic plant that grows near salt marshes and salted wetlands, very rich in vitamins, minerals and highly unsaturated oils. Because of its biochemical composition and despite salinity, Salicornia is considered a gourmet product. Since stems present a short shelf life, the aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of controlled atmosphere on quality of Salicornia ramosissima during four weeks at 4°C. Vitamin C and chlorophyll contents were determined, and microbiological and sensory analyses were performed. Salicornia shoots preserved better the visual appearance and L-ascorbic acid for three weeks of storage under CA with 3% oxygen and 10% carbon dioxide, although chlorophyll was better preserved in air. All samples were microbiologically safe during all storage. CA storage, especially in 3% oxygen and 10% carbon dioxide seems to be a good method to preserve Salicornia ramosissima shoots