Phenolic compounds of shredded carrots were characterized and quantifi
ed by HPLC and their concentrations were measured during storage in ai
r at 4-degrees-C. Trans 5'-caffeoylquinic acid amounted to 60% of tota
l phenolic content and accumulated rapidly. Para-hydroxybenzoic acid a
nd p-hydroxybenzoic esters were not found in freshly prepared shredded
carrots and their content increased after the first day. Patterns of
accumulation varied, between samples from the same carrot cultivar gro
wn in different geographical areas. When shredded carrots were stored
in polypropylene film pouches or in controlled atmospheres containing
30% CO2 and/or 0% O2, phenolic compounds accumulated very slowly. The
increase in phenylalanine ammonia-lyase activity was consistent with a
ccumulation of phenolic compounds and may relate to microbial spoilage
.