Effect of passive and active modified atmosphere packaging on quality changes of fresh endives

Quality changes of fresh endives were related to packaging condition and development of the internal atmosphere composition. Three packaging conditions were tested at 20 °C: a macroperforated oriented polypropylene (OPP) pouch considered as “unmodified atmosphere packaging” (UAP) and a low density polyethylene (LDPE) pouch with or without an individual oxygen scavenger sachet to create active or passive modified atmosphere packaging (MAP), respectively. With a steady modified atmosphere composed of 3 and 4.5 kPa of O2 and CO2, respectively, the effect of passive MAP on colour changes in endives was similar to that of UAP. Benefit of MAP of endives was obtained by using an O2 scavenger, i.e. active MAP, that did not change O2 and CO2 partial pressure during the steady state period, compared to passive MAP, but induced a 50% reduction of the transient period. This reduction led to an important delay in greening and browning of endives.