The consumption of Brassicas is recommended to reduce the incidence of human cancer. Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica) is a vegetable with high nutritional value thanks to its richness in vitamins, antioxidant compounds, anti-carcinogenic molecules and glucosinolates. However, the content of these substances can change significantly according to the harvest, handling and storage conditions.
Broccoli is a highly perishable vegetable, it decays quickly after harvest and its postharvest life is quite short because of yellowing, softening, water loss, decay and off-odors occurring.
Dr Kabir, researcher at Department of Horticulture of Selcuk University (Turkey), has conducted a study on broccoli florets. The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of 1-MCP (1-Methylcyclopropene) and MAP (Modified Atmosphere Packaging) alone or in combination on postharvest life and quality of broccoli stored at 0°C and 95% RH for 28 days.