Qualities of fresh-cut Cucurbita maxima in retail package

Pumpkin, Cucurbita maxima, is a large size vegetable and difficult to be consumed all at one time. Preparation as a fresh-cut vegetable is a choice for consumer convenience and may enhance marketability. Physical, chemical and microbiological qualities of 2.5 cm cubes of Cucurbita maxima were investigated during storage in 2 types of retail package at 5°C. The results showed no significant differences in weight change, moisture, firmness, and sugar content of 200 g fresh-cut pumpkin stored in M2 bags (active breathable packaging) and Ziploc^® bags compared to the freshly prepared sample. Fresh-cut pumpkin kept in M2 and Ziploc^® increased L* value (lightness) from 71.09 to 74.96 and 74.73 whereas their yellowness (b* value) decreased from 64.41 to 50.79 and 52.25, respectively. However, over 75% of 25 panellists accepted the 7-day storage fresh-cut Cucurbita maxima. The M2 bag and Ziploc^® bags also reduced the total microbial count during storage. Therefore, storage in these retail packs provides a good quality pumpkin in convenient form for consumers.