Effect of multilayer nylon packages on the oxidative damage of minimally processed yam

Abstract Appropriate storage packaging is an important aspect to minimize physiological deterioration and enhance the shelf-life of minimally processed products. Thus, the goal of this study was to evaluate the physiological and biochemical changes associated with the quality loss of minimally processed yam, maintained in two different packages at 5 ± 2 °C. The yam roots were selected, washed and conserved at 8 ± 2 °C for 24 hours. They were then peeled and cut into slices about 3 cm thick and minimally processed. Approximately 300 g of minimally processed yam roots were packed in polypropylene (PP, 4 μm thick) and multilayer nylon (NY, 15 μm thick) 15 cm wide x 20 cm long bags, which were stored at 5 ± 2 °C for 14 days. The minimally processed yam conserved in PP packaging presented fluorescence on the surface of the segments, characteristic symptoms of Pseudomonas spp., and showed higher peroxidase and catalase activities. The nylon packaging was more efficient in reducing oxidative damage and also inhibited polyphenol oxidase activity and decreased the accumulation of soluble proteins, resulting in decreased deterioration during storage. Thus, the quality of the minimally processed yam maintained in NY packaging was conserved for 14 days at 5 ± 2 °C.