Prolongamento da vida útil de chicória orgânica acondicionada em diferentes embalagens e refrigeração

Abstract

The chicory is a highly perishable vegetable, and studies are needed to extend its useful life. The production of the same, from vigorous and healthy seedlings, enables farmers to obtain vegetables with superior quality and, consequently, a product with longer post-harvest shelf life. The objective of this work was to evaluate the influence of the seedlings produced from an organic substrate (gongocomposto) and the use of combined packaging with refrigeration, in the prolongation of the shelf life of chicory. Chicory heads were packaged in two types of plastic containers and stored at a temperature of 5^oC ± 2^oC. Physical, chemical and visual evaluations were performed. The results indicate that the combination of plastic packaging and refrigeration was efficient in prolonging the shelf life of the chicory, reducing its deterioration, allowing the farmers the possibility of storage and the consumers a longer period of time to consume them.