The minimally processed fresh-cut produce industry
has been growing rapidly over the past decade,
fueled by strong consumer demand for ready-to-eat
produce that is convenient and nutritious.1 However,
rapid quality deterioration and short shelf-life
are major problems facing the industry, making necessary
the development of new technologies for maintaining
the quality and safety of fresh-cut produce
while prolonging shelf-life. Although modified atmosphere
packaging (MAP) has been successfully used
to improve quality and shelf-life, premature quality
decline and the consequent loss of shelf-life remain
important obstacles to be overcome.2 Quality deterioration
in fresh-cut carrots is due to the development
of whiteness, tissue softening, off-odor and tissue
decay.3