Trimming losses in Chinese cabbage

Trimming in Chinese cabbage heads removes wrapper leaves and other parts that detract from a good appearance, thus improving marketability. Trimming losses were quantified in various assessments at the wholesale and retail (as influenced by sack position, cold storage and alum) levels. Trimming losses of 43.9% by weight were measured in Chinese cabbage for product grown in Kapatagan, Davao del Sur at the wholesale market in Bankerohan, Davao City. The trimming loss was less, 28.5% by weight, for Chinese cabbage grown in Lantapan, Bukidnon, at the Bulua, Cagayan de Oro City wholesale markets. Heads procured from Bankerohan market showed 11.1% more trimming losses in the drier conditions of cold storage (at 21.1±1.3°C and 49.8±9.8% relative humidity (RH)) after two days, compared with ambient storage (27.0±0.6°C and 69.6±6.1% relative humidity). However, the opposite occurred after six days of storage, due to accelerated decay at ambient temperatures. Within polypropylene sack sections (top, middle and bottom), trimming losses were similar in all positions. Under ambient conditions, where no control heads remained, all alum-treated heads were still useable at six days, but trimming loss reached 70%.