QUALITY OF MINIMALLY PROCESSED SWEET CORN KEPT UNDER DIFFERENT ATMOSPHERES - DOI: 10.13083/1414-3984.v22n06a03

Abstract

The purpose of this work is to evaluate the use of three different atmospheres (2% O2 + 8% CO2, 4%O2 + 8% CO2 and normal atmosphere) on the quality of minimally processed sweet corn during its conversation at 5°C for nine days. Ears of sweet corn were used of the hybrid of the breeding program of Embrapa Corn and Sorghum with mutant gene sh2 (Embrapa HT1). The contents of glucose, fructose, ?-cryptoxanthine, firmness and L* value were influenced only by the storage time. The controlled atmospheres were efficient to reduce the mass loss of the sweet corn ears and from the results obtained for pH and titratable acidity, to maintain the respiratory activity reduced until three days of storage. Higher contents of sucrose in the stored sweet corn ears under normal atmosphere can indicate faster degeneration of starch and more disponibility for respiration. In general, the use of controlled atmosphere did not influence the total carotenoids content. The atmosphere of 2% O2 and 8% CO2 showed higher values of b* and firmness. All minimally processed sweet corn samples analyzed, independent of the conservation atmospheres, were within the acceptable microbiologic limits specified by legislation. Nevertheless the atmosphere of 2% O2 and 8% CO2 presented lower populations of coliforms at 35 °C, psychotrophic aerobic bacteria and filamentous fungi and yeasts. Thus, it is the most indicated atmosphere for post-harvest conservation of minimally processed sweet corns during 9 days.