Variation in Bioactive Compounds and Quality Parameters in Different Modified Atmosphere Packaging during Postharvest Storage of Traditional Leafy Vegetables (Amaranthus cruentus L and Solanum Retroflexum)

A maranthus cruentus L and S olanum retroflexum are popular traditional leafy vegetables produced for urban fresh produce markets. In this study, four types of bi‐orientated polypropylene packaging ( BOPP ), BOPP 03, BOPP 04, BOPP 05 and BOPP 06, with different perforations were tested on retention of quality parameters (weight loss, leaf yellowing, color L *, C *, h °), decay, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, bioactive compounds (carotenoids, ascorbic acid, total phenolic compounds), antioxidant scavenging activity and sensory properties at 10 C at 2‐day intervals up to 14 days. The BOPP films without perforation or BOPP film with two macroperforation (two 2 mm holes) and unpacked leaves were included for comparison. The BOPP 05 packaging retained the green color of the leaves (higher h °) and the overall appearance; maintained the chlorophyll content, bioactive compounds and antioxidant scavenging activity; and maintained the leaves, thereby being marketable for up to 8 days for A . cruentus and for 10 days for S . retroflexum at 10 C . The BOPP 05 packaging maintained 4.3% O 2 and 7.3% CO 2 for A . cruentus leaves and 5.6% O 2 and 6.7% CO 2 for S . reflexum at the equilibrium steady state on the eighth and the 10th day, respectively, at 10 C . Practical Applications The highly perishable nature of A maranthus cruentus L and S olanum retroflexum leaves limits their storage, distribution and marketing. Loss of quality and bioactive compounds in traditional leafy vegetables A . cruentus L and S . scrabum during marketing can be reduced by using bi‐orientated polypropylene ( BOPP )05 modified atmosphere packaging. Therefore, the BOPP 05 packaging can be recommended to extend the shelf life of A . cruentus L and S . scrabum leaves. This approach can be adopted to commercialize the underutilized vegetables A . cruentus L and S . scrabum that are rich in bioactive compounds.