The objective of this work was to evaluate the changes in the minimally processed cabbage when stored in different packages and temperatures. The minimum process consisted of selection, classification and refrigeration of the raw material, followed by cutting in slices, rinsed with treated tap water for the elimination of cellular exudates, sanitization in solutions with 150mgL-1 of active chlorine, rinsing, centrifugation, weighing, conditioning in polystyrene expanded trays covered with polyvinyl chloride (PVC), 12µm, and polyethylene terephtalate (PET) packages and stored for 15 days at 0, 5 and 10ºC temperatures. Every three days the following analyses where carried out: O2 and CO2 concentrations inside the packages, pH, tritatable acidity, soluble solids and vitamin C in the minimally processed cabbage. It was concluded that the cabbage conditioned in the PVC packages presented lower vitamin C loss during the 15 days of storage at all temperatures. These packages also presented higher concentrations of CO2 and lower of O2 , although within the acceptable levels, guaranteeing larger shelf life to the minimally processed cabbage. The shelf life for the products stored at 0 and 5ºC were statistically similar; however at 10ºC, it was reduced appreciably, at the level of 5% of probability.
minimum processing; modified atmosphere; conservation; Brassica oleracea var. capitata
