Changes in the quality and secondary metabolites of kohlrabi during storage

Abstract

To determine the optimal shelf life for maintaining the high quality of kohlrabi, the changes in the physiological and secondary metabolites of kohlrabi stems during storage were investigated. The results showed that the kohlrabi maintained its marketable quality for two weeks at room temperature and for two months in cold storage (4°C). Interestingly, the total phenol and flavonoid contents sharply declined along with the quality deterioration after two-week storage at room temperature. Moreover, insignificant changes in these compounds were observed for two months during the cold storage. The secondary metabolites of the kohlrabi were also influenced by its storage condition. The total phenol and total flavonoid contents of the kohlrabi significantly increased with the storage periods at low temperature, and significantly decreased with the storage periods at room temperature. In terms of the packaging, no significant difference in the total phenol content of the kohlrabi was found between the packaged and non-packaged types of storage. However, the flavonoid content of the packaged kohlrabi was higher than that of the non-packaged kohlrabi at the end of their storage. The content of glucosinolates, an anti-cancer ingredient was maintained during the storage, so the vegetables remained good sources of these compounds when stored in cold storage even for a long period. This study showed a close correlation between the secondary metabolites and the change in the quality of kohlrabi during storage. The results also suggested that secondary metabolites such as phenolics can be considered quality indicators of the shelf life of kohlrabi.