Effect of modified atmosphere packaging on visual quality and glucosinolates of broccoli florets

Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica) florets were packaged in polyethylene bags with no holes (M0), two microholes (M1), and four macroholes (M2), and then stored at 4 or 20 °C. The effects of modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) treatments on visual quality and glucosinolate contents were determined by comparing with non-wrapped florets. The results showed that MAP treatments, especially with M0 and M1, extended the shelf life and reduced the postharvest deterioration of broccoli florets stored at 4 and 20 °C. All three MAP treatments reduced the decreasing concentration rates of individual, total aliphatic and indole glucosinolates in broccoli florets when compared to those in the control, with M0 being the most significant, followed by M1 and M2 during 23 days of storage at 4 °C or 5 days of storage at 20 °C. Broccoli florets with M0 treatment maintained the visual quality and glucosinolate contents for 13 days at 4 °C and 3 days at 20 °C.