To extend the useable life of BRUSSEL SPROUTS using Long Life Solutions smartbags

SPROUTS - Freshly harvested were compared with various Packaging methodsover a period of four weeks.

PRODUCT - Dry, Mechanical damage 2%, flag leave 3% yellowing, slight browning of cortex, dark green outer and lighter inner leaves, firm, crisp and shiny.

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OBSERVATIONS:

1. Trim loss on LLS was due to butt discolouration, yellowing of flag leaves and blackening of bruises which occurred during the handling process prior to packing.

2. The % of product with yellow leaves before and after the trial was the same, except that the leaves showed more yellow.

3. Butt discolouration and blackening of bruises is a function of free water in the environment. The same correlation of bruises before and after showed as with leaf yellowing.

4. Small black spots occurred on some outer leaves on all trials in plastic, this occurred least in LLS and formed part of the trimming loss. The spot could be fungus spores, which are starting to develop.

5. Big Temperature fluctuations did occur before containerisation which would affect condensation and free water levels which contribute directly to points 3 &4.