LONG STORAGE OF BROCCOLI

Single replicate quantities of 17 broccoli cultivars grown at the Kentville Research Station and harvested in October, were monitored for the incidence of mould during storage at -0.25°C and 96% RH ca in normal and controlled atmospheres (5% CO₂:3% O₂, 8% CO₂: 1% O₂). Seven cultivars were observed to respond favorably (P=05) in controlled atmosphere. Differences in performance between cultivars varied by as much as 4X when comparing the means of responses to the three atmospheres. When incidence of mould was regressed linearily on storage days and extrapolated to zero, a theoretical 'waste free' period of 43±0.3 days was determined in each case and after, controlled atmosphere slowed the onset of mouldiness. The most resistant cultivar, RS2431, had a calculated mould free period of 73 days and a calculated incidence of 20% at 100 days when stored in the 8:1 atmosphere.

Retention of sound broccoli for more than 10 weeks appeared to be a reasonable expectation. Neither mouldiness nor color was considered the most limiting storage factor but rather unpalatable flavor, observed (after freezing at -40°C) in some apparently healthy curds stored in normal and 8:1 atmospheres.