Shelf-life of stored asparagus is strongly related to postharvest respiratory activity
Don W. Brash, Chris M. Charles, Sandy Wright and Bruce L. Bycroft
Postharvest Biology and Technology Vol: 5 Issue: 1-2 Pages: 77-81
1995
บทคัดย่อ
The respiration rate of asparagus spears was measured at 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20°C at intervals over 105 hours after harvest. The spears were then stored at 20°C for visual assessment of residual shelf-life (expressed as days to become unacceptable for sale). There was a strong negative correlation between accumulated respiratory activity after harvest (as carbon dioxide production) and residual shelf-life (r2 = 0.95). Accumulated heat units (expressed as degree-hours > 0°C) was similarly related to residual shelf-life (r2 = 0.92). Accumulated carbon dioxide (CO2) production after harvest could be a useful guide to the residual shelf-life of asparagus and perhaps other crops. Accumulated degree-hours after harvest is easier to measure and gave an accurate guide to CO2 production.