Abstract:

By examining the changes of physiological indicators (crude fiber, weight loss, total acid, VC and gas content) and sensory attributes during storage, the effects of gas composition of modified atmosphere, storage temperature and chitosan coating treatment on physiological quality and appearance of narrowleaf cattail. Then, based on this, an optimal modified atmosphere packaging (MAP)-chitosan coating process was proposed for preserving narrowleaf cattail. The contents of VC and total acid decreased while the weight loss and the content of crude fiber changed reversely during 20 d storage. When packaging under modified atmosphere consisting of 5% O2:10% CO2:85% N2 were used together with treatment with 1% chitosan coating, the weight loss and the respiration could be inhibited, and the contents of crude fiber and of VC were maintained at low and high levels, respectively, during low temperature (4 ℃) storage. Under the above conditions, narrowleaf cattail could be stored for up to 30 days.

Key words: narrowleaf cattail, modified atmosphere packaging (MAP), temperature, chitosan