The Effect of Preharvest Treatment, Disinfection and Storage Environment on Quality of Carrots

The physiological, microbiological and chemical quality changes were studied in carrots that received preharvest sprays of a commercial plant extract (ComCat) and subjected to disinfection and storage at 1 and 22C. At harvest, ComCat-treated carrots had less aerobic and coliform bacteria population, higher contents of total available carbohydrates (TACs) and sucrose and lower glucose and fructose concentrations. During storage, ComCat-treated carrots displayed reduced physiological weight loss (PWL) with lower sucrose, glucose and fructose concentrations. Disinfectants reduced microbial populations in carrots. Chlorine disinfection resulted in an etched surface, which was not observed for anolyte treatment. Anolyte water showed a better positive effect on PWL. Higher temperatures deteriorated quality characteristics of carrots. The TAC accumulated better in ComCat-treated than in control carrots stored at room temperature. The combined effect of pre- and postharvest treatments had significant effect on maintaining postharvest quality and improvement of shelf life of carrots. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS Preharvest ComCat treatment can be used to improve the overall quality of carrots. Disinfection of carrots using anolyte water was found to be superior to the chlorinated water dipping treatments. Thus, anolyte water is recommended for disinfection of carrots. Combining the preharvest ComCat treatment and disinfection using anolyte water, coupled with refrigerated storage environment should be used in the shelf life extension of carrots.