Qualities of fresh-cut Cucurbita maxima in retail package

Pumpkin, Cucurbita maxima, is a large size vegetable and difficult to be consumed all at one time.
Preparation as a fresh-cut vegetable is a choice for consumer convenience and may enhance marketability.
Physical, chemical and microbiological qualities of 2.5 cm cubes of Cucurbita maxima were investigated during storage in 2 types of retail package at 5°C. The results showed no significant differences in weight change, moisture, firmness, and sugar content of 200 g fresh-cut pumpkin stored in M2 bags (active breathable packaging) and Ziploc^® bags compared to the freshly prepared sample.
Fresh-cut pumpkin kept in M2 and Ziploc^® increased L* value (lightness) from 71.09 to 74.96 and 74.73 whereas their yellowness (b* value) decreased from 64.41 to 50.79 and 52.25, respectively.
However, over 75% of 25 panellists accepted the 7-day storage fresh-cut Cucurbita maxima. The M2 bag and Ziploc^® bags also reduced the total microbial count during storage.
Therefore, storage in these retail packs provides a good quality pumpkin in convenient form for consumers.

XXIX International Horticultural Congress on Horticulture: Sustaining Lives, Livelihoods and Landscapes (IHC2014): International Symposium on High Value Vegetables, Root and Tuber Crops, and Edible Fungi Production, Supply and Demands

A. Chudhangkura, C. Jariyavattanavijit, C. Sikkhamondhol, K. Yodin

Cucurbita maxima, retail pack, qualities

https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2016.1123.20