LEEK QUALITY CHANGES IN CA-STORAGE

L. Kurki
Leek quality was measured with reference to dry matter content, vitamins C and A, reducing sugars, chlorophyll, total N and storage loss after 3, 4, 5 and 6 months in CA-storage (O2 = 1%, CO2= 102%, t = 0°C, R = close to 100 %) and in two normal air storages (t2 = -1°C, R = 75%, and t = 0°C, R = close to 100%). The pectin and aldehyde content of healthy and decayed leek was also analysed.

In the CA-storage the dry matter, vitamin C content decreased only slowly, but the reducing sugars content more rapidly than in normal air storage. The amount of chlorophyll and vitamin A remained at a higher level than in the normal air storages. The amount of the N increased with the length of the storage time in all cases. Storage loss was lowest in CA-storage, and was caused by evaporation, the damage of Botrytis porrii, and softened tissue of the leek.

There was no significant difference in pectin content in the healthy and softened or jellylike leek-tissue; only leek with a few inches' flowerstalk developed had a decreased pectin content.

CA-stored leek developed more aldehyde than leek kept in normal air. Healthy leek-tissue developed more aldehyde than softened tissue in both controlled and normal air.

It was assumed that the softening of the plant tissue in the high humidity storages is primarily caused by the condensation water in or on the plant tissue, because there is a temperature gradient between the inner and outer or surface regions of plant tissue.

Kurki, L. (1979). LEEK QUALITY CHANGES IN CA-STORAGE. Acta Hortic. 93, 85-90
DOI: 10.17660/ActaHortic.1979.93.10
https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.1979.93.10

Acta Horticulturae