POSTHARVEST PHYSIOLOGY AND QUALITY OF CILANTRO (CORIANDRUM-SATIVUM L)

Respiration rates of freshly harvested cilantro were moderately high ( CO2 at 15 to 20 mu L . g(-1). h(-1)) and ethylene production rates wer e low (<0.2 nL . g(-1). h(-1)) at 5 degrees C and were typical of gree n leafy tissues. Cilantro stored in darkness at a range of temperature s in air or controlled atmospheres was evaluated periodically for visu al quality, decay, aroma, off-odor, color, and chlorophyll content. Ci lantro stored in air at 0 degrees C had good visual quality for 18 to 22 days, while at 5 and 7.5 degrees C good quality was maintained for about 14 and 7 days, respectively. An atmosphere of air plus 5% or 9% CO2 extended the shelf-life of cilantro stored at 7.5 degrees C to abo ut 14 days. Quality of cilantro stored in 3% O(2)plus CO2 was similar to that stored in air plus CO2. Atmospheres enriched with 9% to 10% CO 2 caused dark lesions after 18 days; 20% CO2 caused severe injury afte r 7 days. Although visual quality could be maintained for up to 22 day s, typical cilantro aroma decreased notably after 14 days, regardless of storage conditions.