Effects of elevated CO2 concentrations in modified atmosphere packaging of prickly pear cactus stems (Opuntia spp.)
E.M. Yahia , J.C. Guevara, E. Brito de la Fuente
Facultad de Quimica, Universidad Autonoma de Queretaro, Queretoro, Mexico, 76010
2000
บทคัดย่อ
In this work we have tested the effect of modified atmosphere packaging either in a passive form or with the addition of elevated CO2 concentrations (20,40 and 80 %) on the physicochemical and microbiological parameters in nopalitos (flattened stems or cladodos of the prickly pear cactus)stems (Opuntia spp.) stored at 5 0C. Elevated CO2 O2 concentrations (40 and 80% CO2 ) increased the losses in texture, weight, chlorophyll content, dietary fiber content and color. Passive modified atmosphere (up to 8.9% O2 and 7% CO2 ) and 20% CO2 (added to the package) significantly decreased losses in the above parameters and in the microbial counts (total aerobic mesophiles, moulds and yeast counts), but slightly increased the total anaerobic mesophies counts. The microorganisms identified were Pseudomonas, Leuconostoc, Microccoccus, Bacillus, Ruminicoccus, Absidia, Cladosporium, Penicillium and Pichia.