Resumen

CRUZ-ALVAREZ, Oscar et al. Changes in post-harvest quality of peppermint (Mentha x piperita L.) under refrigeration. Rev. Chapingo Ser.Hortic [online]. 2013, vol.19, n.3, pp.287-299. ISSN 2007-4034.  https://doi.org/10.5154/r.rchsh.2012.11.062.

The aim of this research was to evaluate the effect of low temperatures on the postharvest physiology of peppermint (Mentha x piperita L.). Its behavior while stored at two temperatures (6 and 10 °C) compared to a control at room temperature (20 ±2 °C) was studied. A completely randomized experimental design with 4 replications was used. Respiration rate (RR), ethylene production (EP), weight loss (WL), total chlorophyll (TC), carotenoids (C) and titratable acidity (TA) were determined. A hedonic evaluation was performed (external appearance, color scale, yellowing, the development of bad odors, leaf abscission and rots). Results show that the refrigeration treatments (6 and 10 °C) maintained RR and EP with values of between 2.57 and 6.65 mL CO₂^.kg^-1.h^-1 and 0.04 and 0.27 µL C₂H₄^.kg^-1.h^-1, respectively. WL decreased by 50 % and TC and C were preserved. Cooling enabled maintaining RR and EP without significant changes. Additionally, reduced changes were observed in WL, TC, C, TA and external quality traits required for marketing peppermint.

Palabras llave : Storage; respiration rate; chlorophyll content; hedonic scale.