A limiting factor that reduces watercress consumption is its
perishable nature, characterized by a reduced shelf-life after
harvest of approximately seven days (Cruz et al., 2009; Silveira
et al., 2014). The main symptoms of quality loss are surface
dehydration, softening of tissues and loss of green color. Most
conventional postharvest treatments can not control all parameters
necessary to extend produce shelf-life, without compromising
its quality (Pinela and Ferreira, 2015). Additionally, consumers
are looking for safe food products that suffer minimal processing
with high quality retention (Ramos et al., 2013).