Fresh white cauliflowers were harvested from local farm near Mumbai. After harvesting the cauliflowers were transported directly to the laboratory and stored at refrigerated temperature (4 C). Cauliflower heads were of high quality and selected for the absence of visual defects. Before processing all cauliflowers were washed with tap water. After manual removal of the outer leaves and inedible stems cauliflower heads were cut into 4–5 cm pieces. The cut material was again washed under running tap water and then were spread on blotting sheets for 30 min in order to remove adhering water before packaging. The pieces were randomized before packaging and then (100g) packed into polystyrene trays (inner dimensions: 9 cm 9 cm 2.5 cm). The trays were then over-wrapped all around with cling film (Flexo Film Wraps Ltd., Aurangabad, Maharashtra, India) and sealed with a adhesive tape to avoid any leakage. Film used in the present study had thickness of 8–10 mm and permeability to oxygen and carbon dioxide of 1.7
and 10.3 cm3 m2 s1 supplier).
Pa1, respectively
(data as
provided
by