The aim of this research was to verify the effect of the passive and active modified atmosphere on the conservation of fresh-cut peruvian carrot, cv. Amarela de Senador Amaral, purchased from a commercial crop of Lavras, MG, Brazil. The roots were screened, washed with neutral detergent and rinsed in running water. Afterwards, they were immersed into a solution of 300mg L-1 sodium hypochlorite for 15 minutes and dried at room temperature. The roots were peeled and cut in slices of about 1cm of thickness and immersed into a solution of 50mg L-1 sodium hypochlorite for 10 minutes, drained in plastic sieves and packed. The trays containing the slices of Peruvian carrot were stored in a cold room (5±1°C and 98% RH) for 15 days. The following analyses were performed every 3 days: : pH, titrable acidity, total soluble solids, firmness, L* and b* values, starch and sensorial evaluation (appearance and color). The experimental design was completely randomized (CRD) in a 3 x 6 factorial scheme, with 3 sorts of atmospheres (passive; active with initial injection of the mixtures: 2% O2 + 10% CO2 e 5% O2 + 5% CO2) and 6 times of storage (0, 3, 6, 9, 12 and 15 days) with 3 replicates. The average values of pH, titrable acidity, soluble solids and firmness found in this work were 6.79, 0.13% of malic acid, 4.04°Brix and 5.17 N, respectively. The active modified atmosphere (5% de O2 + 5% CO2) determined higher L* value to the fresh cut Peruvian carrots at the sixth and twelfth day of storage as compared with the active (2% of O2 + 10% CO2). The active modified atmosphere with 5% O2 + 5% CO2 determined higher b* values and starch contents to the slices of Peruvian carrots as compared with the other atmospheres. It can be concluded that the passive modified atmosphere associated with refrigeration and good practices of manufacture is enough to extend the shelf life of fresh cut Peruvian carrots, keeping their quality attributes. In accord to the sensorial evaluation, both appearance and color of the slices of Peruvian carrots are kept acceptable for consumption until the end of the storage period.
storage; fresh-cut; packing
