Respiration rate and respiratory quotient of fresh-cut mango (Mangifera indica L.) in low oxygen atmosphere.
Rattanapanone N., Watada A. E.
Author Affiliation: Department of Food Science and Technology, Faculty of Agro-Industry, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand.
: 471-478
Abstract : The respiration rate and respiratory quotient of fresh-cut Tommy Atkin mango cubes were determined under a continuous flow of 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 4.0 and 21% O2 (air) with N2 as balance atmosphere, at 5°C for 5 days. The respiration rate based on carbon dioxide production in low oxygen atmosphere decreased about 20-25% relative to air atmosphere. However, the oxygen consumption sharply reduced by 70-80% in 0.5%, 2% and 4% oxygen atmosphere. The lowest oxygen consumption was reduced to 85-90% in 1% oxygen atmosphere relative to air atmosphere. Low oxygen atmosphere had minimal effects, if any, on the physico-chemical changes in mango cubes during storage in low oxygen atmosphere. The flesh became translucent only in air and browned slightly in 4% oxygen atmosphere.