Experiment: Fraser Associates Un-Washed Asparagus
Trials
To extend the storage life of un-washed asparagus
using Long Life Solutions
crate liners.
Un-Washed Asparagus - Un-trimmed &
un-washed asparagus were pre-cooled to 5 - 6o
C before being packed into Long Life Solutions
bags within 24 hours of harvesting. The asparagus
was packed into 1kg. & 5kg. Long Life Solutions
bags and compared periodically against a control
sample of vegetables from the same consignment.
There were no discernible differences in the results
of the 1kg. & 5kg. Bags during the tests.
Week 1
Control
Long Life Bags
Average Temperature
6o C
8 - 9o C.
Weight Loss
Not recorded
None
Taste
Good
Raw & Cooked, both excellent
Dehydration
Seen within 24 hours
No Signs
Firmness
Poor
Rigid
Visual Quality
Reasonable
Good
Week 2
Control
Long Life Bags
Average Temperature
Controls could not be stored
6o C.
Weight Loss
for more than 10 days after
None
Taste
which time severe moisture
Excellent
Dehydration
Seen within 24 hours
No Signs
Firmness
loss caused ribbing on the
Spears Rigid
Visual Quality
un-saleable
Good
Week 3
Control
Long Life Bags
Average Temperature
see comments above
6o C.
Weight Loss
None
Taste
Excellent
Dehydration
No Signs
Firmness
Spears Rigid
Visual Quality
Good
Week 4
Control
Long Life Bags
Average Temperature
see comments above
8 o C.
Weight Loss
Negligible
Taste
Good, most acceptable
Dehydration
Negligible
Firmness
Spears Rigid
Visual Quality
light mould growth on cut
ends (soil related); buds tight
Un Washed Asparagus Conclusion
After 4 weeks, they tasted the same as fresh asparagus.
It is apparent that
asparagus may be safely kept in a refrigerator
for periods up to 4 weeks.
