Abstract

The combined effects of ultraviolet (UV) light C (0.34 to 20.13 kJ/l2) and superatmospheric O2 (>85%) packaging on the respiration rate, atmospheric composition, microbiological growth and nutritional quality of fresh-cut arugula stored for 10 days at 5C were studied. All treatments performed under increased O2 levels exhibited a reduction in the respiration rate throughout the cold storage. High microbial load of the raw material were found. UV-C radiation enabled an initial reduction of about 1 and 1.5 log units on mesophilic and psychrotrophic counts, respectively. However, this treatment was not effective for mold control. In addition, a noticeable increase occurred in the total antioxidant capacity and polyphenol content without affecting the visual appearance of the leaves. UV-C radiation, as a sanitizing method, in combination with superatmospheric O2 conditions maintains the overall quality of fresh-cut arugula and is a feasible alternative to industrial-scale enforcement.