Evolución de los parámetros de calidad físico-química y funcional de distintas brassicas sometidas a diferentes tratamientos postcosecha

Abstract

In this Dissertation, two types of Brassicas (broccoli and Milan cabbage) grown in las Vegas Bajas del Guadiana (Badajoz) were evaluated in terms of physic-chemic and functional quality parameters. Among the studied broccoli plants (�Parthenon� and �Monaco�), �Parthenon� was the one showing better physicochemical and functional quality parameters. Regarding the assessed cabbage cultivars (�Dama� and �Leticia�), in general terms, �Dama� exhibited a more intense green colour and higher contents of bioactive compounds. Also, in this Dissertation, different analytical procedures based on spectroscopic-chemometric methods and chromatographic separation methods coupled to mass and Uv-Vis spectroscopic were optimized to identify and quantify a broad variety of functional compounds. Finally, the postharvest behaviour of �Parthenon� broccoli was assessed, in terms of shelf-life extension, physicochemical and functional quality, after applying three different postharvest treatments. Firstly, a controlled atmosphere condition was studied consisted in an air composition of 10% of O2 and 5% of CO2. Secondly, the application of 1-MCP was assessed and finally the use of modified atmospheres packaging using polypropylene microperforated. As result, the most suitable conditions to preserve both physicochemical and functional quality parameters were the used of controlled atmospheres and modified atmospheres conditions.