Effect of 1-MCP treatment on postharvest quality characters, antioxidants and glucosinolates of Chinese kale

► 1-MCP treatment extends the shelf life in Chinese kale bolting stems. ► 1-MCP delays weight and firmness loss, chlorophyll degradation and colour change. ► 1-MCP suppresses ethylene production and declines respiration rate. ► 1-MCP maintains high contents of ascorbic acid, carotenoids and glucosinolates. ► 1-MCP delays total phenolics accumulation and maintains high antioxidant capacity.