Effect of UV-C and Ozone on the Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Capacity of Minimally Processed Rocket (Eruca Sativa Mill.)

Diego R. Gutiérrez, Laura Lemos, Silvia del C. Rodríguez

In this study, treatments with UV-C radiation (10, 20 and 30 kJ/m2) and gaseous ozone (1, 5 and 10 mg/L) were applied to minimally processed rocket (Eruca sativa) leaves to investigate their effects on the bioactive compounds and antioxidant capacityduring12 days of storage at 5 ºC.As control, water washing was used. Ascorbic acid content, phenolic compounds, antioxidant capacity and chlorophyll a and b, total chlorophyll and total carotenoids content throughout shelf-life were studied. The results showed that UV-C and ozone treatments had no adverse effects on ascorbic acid content, phenolic compound and antioxidant capacity of minimally processed rocket leaves. Treatments with UV-C delayed the degradation of total chlorophyll content throughout shelf-life, while the treatments with O3 did not affect this parameter. In conclusion, the UV-C and ozone treatments applied maintain the bioactive compounds with antioxidant activity content of minimally processed rocket leaves during 12 days of storage at 5 ºC.

https://doi.org/10.31871/IJNTR.4.9.8