Allyl isothiocyanate enhances shelf life of minimally processed shredded cabbage

The effect of allyl isothiocyanate (AITC), in combination with low temperature (10 °C) storage on post harvest quality of minimally processed shredded cabbage was investigated. An optimum concentration of 0.05 μL/mL AITC was found to be effective in maintaining the microbial and sensory quality of the product for a period of 12 days. Inhibition of browning was shown to result from a down-regulation (1.4-fold) of phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) gene expression and a consequent decrease in PAL enzyme activity and o-quinone content. In the untreated control samples, PAL activity increased following up-regulation in PAL gene expression that could be linearly correlated with enhanced o-quinone formation and browning. The efficacy of AITC in extending the shelf life of minimally processed shredded cabbage and its role in down-regulation of PAL gene expression resulting in browning inhibition in the product is reported here for the first time.