| Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4518611 | Postharvest Biology and Technology | 2013 | 6 Pages |
The effects of dimethyl dicarbonate (DMDC) (200 mg L−1) treatment on microorganisms and quality of Chinese cabbage were investigated. The results indicated that in the different tissues treated by DMDC, a significant reduction (P < 0.05) of total aerobic plate count (TAPC) of the leaf (ca. 4.49 log cfu g−1) and stalk (ca. 4.45 log cfu g−1), as well as the count of total yeasts and molds of the leaf (ca. 3.02 log cfu g−1) and stalk (ca. 3.62 log cfu g−1), was obtained in comparison with the control (sterile water dip). However, in the flower bud and/or flower treated by DMDC, the reduction of TAPC (ca. 2.74 log cfu g−1) and counts of total yeasts and molds (ca. 2.26 log cfu g−1) were much lower. DMDC treatment affected appearance and texture early in storage, but an impact on the nutritional composition of Chinese cabbage during storage was not found. Additionally, DMDC treatment significantly (P < 0.05) inhibited the activity of polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and peroxidase (POD) late during storage. Therefore, DMDC is a new and effective alternative for sanitation of Chinese cabbage where a protective measure of appearance quality needs to be adopted.
► Dimethyl dicarbonate had a stronger disinfectant efficacy on leaf and stem than flower bud and/or flower in Chinese cabbage. ► Dimethyl dicarbonate affected the quality of the cabbage appearance and texture early in storage. ► Dimethyl dicarbonate made no significant impact on the nutritional composition of the cabbage. ► Dimethyl dicarbonate markedly inhibited activity of polyphenol oxidase and peroxidase of Chinese cabbage late in storage.
