Effect of Packaging Materials on Lettuce (Lactuca sativa var. capitata) Chemical Quality Under Cold Storage.

Lettuce is a perishable vegetable with a short shelf life, which leads to detrimental changes in texture, physiological processes, and enzymatic activity during postharvest storage. However, appropriate packaging materials can be used in storage and distribution to maintain quality and extend the shelf life. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of different packaging materials on lettuce chemical quality under cold storage. The experimental analysis was conducted at intervals of every 6 days for 33 days with three replications and evaluated in a CRD trial corresponding to nine packaging materials. The samples were harvested at 58 DAP (days after planting). In this study, nine packaging types were evaluated: (1) without primary packaging in a carton box, (2) a carton box glued with low-density polyethylene (LDPE), and (3) a Danpla plastic box; (4) samples wrapped in LDPE and (5) green modified atmosphere packaging separately; and (6) samples packed in a carton box, (7) a carton box glued with LDPE film, and (8) a Danpla plastic box. Quality parameters (TSS, vitamin C, phenolics, total chlorophylls, and carotenoids) were analyzed. This work concludes that the iceberg lettuce "Saula" packed in a carton box glued with LDPE stored at 3°C ± 2°C and 95% relative humidity prolongs the shelf life and is, therefore, recommended for exportation.