Extending shelf-life and nutritive value of green beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), by controlled atmosphere storage: macronutrients

Controlled atmosphere (CA) storage has become a useful technique to extend vegetable shelf-life. The aim of this work is to select the most suitable conditions for green bean storage under CA, with the maintenance of macronutrients (proteins, total available carbohydrates, soluble sugars, neutral-detergent fibre and pectins). Samples were stored at 8°C, under different atmosphere conditions (normal atmospheric air, 5%O2+3%CO2, 3%O2+3%CO2 and 1%O2+3%CO2), and analyzed periodically during one month for dry matter (desiccation), proteins (Kjeldahl), total available carbohydrates (anthone), soluble sugars (HPLC), neutral-detergent fibre (gravimetry) and pectins (m-phenyphenol). Statistical analyses (ANOVA and Duncan tests) were applied to the analytical data to evaluate the effect of the treatments applied. The air composition 3% O2+3%CO2 at 8 °C was selected as the best one to extend shelf-life and preserve the nutritive value of this vegetable.