Excerpts from the report: In modified atmosphere environments, where carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration is increased and oxygen (O2) is reduced, yellowing of broccoli is greatly retarded. One method of obtaining a modified atmosphere that might be beneficial at certain temperatures is to package the commodity in sealed film. A study showed that broccoli was a good prepackaging prospect. Although off-odor accumulated in 2 days at 20° C in the nonperforated packages, it dissipated rapidly after opening. Packaging with Pliofilm, cellophane, and cellulose acetate has been tested as a supplement to refrigeration for maintaining good broccoli quality. Overwrapping broccoli bunches with a shrink film at the shipping point has also been tried. The present study was conducted to determine the effect of consumer packaging with perforated and sealed polyethylene film and holding at different temperatures on the keeping quality and subsequent shelf life of broccoli.
