Metabolic activity, microbial growth and sensory quality of arugula leaves (Eruca vesicaria Mill.) stored under non-conventional modified atmosphere packaging

• High Oxygen atmosphere maintained the quality of arugula better than the Air control for up to 8 days of storage.
• Growth of Enterobacteriaceae and mesophilic organisms were delayed in High Oxygen atmosphere.
• Respiration activity of arugula was decreased in High Oxygen atmosphere.
• Non-conventional atmospheres packaging did not affect sensory quality compared to Air control.

Arugula compositional characteristics linked to vitamin content, polyphenols and other health beneficial compounds have increased consumer interest to include it in the diet. This leafy vegetable is very susceptible to yellowing and dehydration, reducing its shelf life period. This study evaluated the effects of non-conventional modified packaging atmospheres, i.e. Argon (75–80% Ar + 10–11% O2, balance N2), Nitrogen (10–11% O2 + 89–90% N2), High Oxygen (85–90% O2 + 10–15% N2), Helium (75–80% He + 10–11% O2, balance N2) and Nitrous Oxide (75–80% N2O + 10–11% O2, balance N2), on metabolic activity, microbiological growth and sensory characteristics of fresh cut arugula (Eruca vesicaria Mill.) leaves. The High Oxygen atmospheres reduced the respiration rate until 5 days of storage, but there were no differences among treatments at the end of the storage period. There were no differences in ethylene emission among treatments at any of the evaluation dates. Non-conventional atmospheres had 0.5–1 log unit lower microbial growth counts than air packaging after 8 days of storage. Color and sensory characteristics were not affected by the storage conditions. The non-conventional atmospheres maintained some quality characteristics of arugula leaves, suggesting it could be an alternative to conventional modified atmosphere used to maintain arugula shelf life.