Effects of packaging method and root trimming on quality of green onion (Allium fistulosum L.) during storage

Abstract

This study investigated the effect of packaging method and root trimming on quality of green onions during storage. Two packaging methods (tied with string, S or packaged with film bag, FP) and two root trimming states (attaching the roots without trimming, AR or cutting the roots leaving about 5 mm, CR) were treated after harvest. Then, the green onions stored at 20°C for 8 days and 1°C for 6 weeks to investigate changes in quality. When stored at 20°C, the differences in marketability between S and FP were minimal, while when stored at 1°C, the marketability of the FP remained higher than that of S. The leaf color change in CR progressed faster than in the AR treatment group, leading to faster quality deterioration. The occurrence of weight loss, browning, and softening of stems progressed as the storage period elapsed. However, except weight loss, they were at a level that did not affect marketability within the marketability limit period determined by color change and wiltig of leaves. The allicin and quercetin contents of stems increased in the early stages when quality deteriorated after harvest but decreased as quality deterioration became more severe.