ASPARAGUS RESPONDS TO CONTROLLED ATMOSPHERES IN WARM CONDITIONS

Asparagus spears held in warm conditions (20 degrees C) for 4 days in controlled atmospheres (CA) ranging from 5 to 10% oxygen with 5-15% ca rbon dioxide had significantly longer residual shelf-life (approximate to 4.5 days) in air than did check spears (2.6 days). This response w as also reflected in sensory characteristics, with lower off-flavour r atings and higher flavour and acceptability ratings for CA-treated tha n for check spears. The level of response was similar across the range of atmospheres tested. Tests using plastic films differing in permeab ility demonstrated that modified atmosphere technology can be used to obtain the improvement in spear quality, but the gas permeability of t he films tested was too low to provide a commercially useful pack. The potential for microperforated films for this application is discussed .