THE INFLUENCE OF STORAGE CONDITIONS ON QUALITY PARAMETERS OF HEAD CABBAGE WITH CONICAL HEADS

Head cabbage cultivars (Brassica oleracea L. var. capitata f. alba), which form small heads of conical shape, are a new alternative vegetable crop in Europe. They are grown on a limited scale yet, mainly in West Europe. The objective of the study was to determine the effect of controlled atmosphere storage on the quality of the conical cabbage heads in comparison with normal atmosphere storage. Two Dutch cultivars of the conical cabbage: ‘Caraflex F₁’ and ‘Bejo 2654’ were stored for 3 months in a cold store, under normal (NA) and controlled (CA, 5% CO₂ + 3% O₂) atmospheres. Other storage parameters were: temperature of 0-1°C and RH 95%. Before and after the storage some parameters of the quality of the cabbage were determined, including dry matter, vitamin C, soluble solids, nitrate (V) contents, as well as the colour of the cabbage heads leaves in CIE L*a*b* system. After the storage mass percentage of marketable product, natural weight losses of the heads and sensory quality (overall sensory quality and consumer liking) were also determined. CA storage resulted in a higher percentage of marketable product, less mass loss of the heads and in their better quality than storage under normal atmosphere. Also changes in vitamin C and soluble solids contents were inhibited as a result of the atmosphere modification. Nitrate (V) content in the heads was not affected by storage conditions and remained stable during the storage period. Consumer acceptance of the cabbage was also higher for CA stored heads. Therefore, storage of cabbage heads in CA conditions, with gas composition of 5% CO₂ + 3% O₂, seems to be a better alternative for storage of the heads than storage in a regular cold store, i.e., under normal atmosphere conditions.