Phytoncide essential oil derived from pine leaves was applied for the control of enzymatic browning of
fresh-cut lettuce. Changes in the browning characteristics of cut lettuce treated with phytoncide in an
water or ethanol solution (1%, v/v) at 10 C were investigated for 12 days at 4 C. Other samples dipped
in distilled water or 95% ethanol were used as the controls. The samples treated with phytoncide in an
ethanol solution showed significantly higher L values and lower a values, DE values, browning index,
phenolic compounds, and enzyme activities (PPO, POD, PAL) related to browning. The samples dipped
in distilled water showed the opposite tendency. On the basis of changes in the browning characteristics,
anti-browning effects of each treatment, phytoncide in an ethanol solution was the most effective treatment
applied. These results suggest that phytoncide treatment could be used as an effective method for
controlling enzymatic browning in fresh-cut lettuce.