Kinetics of relative electrical conductivity and correlation with gas composition in modified atmosphere packaged bayberries (Myrica rubra Siebold and Zuccarini)

Modified atmosphere package (MAP) was employed to store the perishable Chinese bayberry (Myrica rubra) at temperatures of 2degreesC, 8degreesC and 15degreesC. Electrolyte leakage from plasma could make the flesh collapse rapidly and appear to be unsavory, which may be evaluated in terms of relative electrical conductivity (REC). REC and gas composition in the headspace were measured during storage. The kinetic parameters of REC were determined, including reaction order, reaction rate constant and activation energy. An integrated model was developed to predict the REC, which reflects the cell membrane permeability, within the temperature range from 2degreesC to 15degreesC. It was found that the degree of maturity had no significant influence on gas composition in the headspace (P much greater than 0.05) by one-factor ANOVA analysis using SAS personal computer software. Correlation between REC and gas composition was not significant (P > 0.05) by Pearson correlation analysis. (C) 2004 Swiss Society of Food Science and Technology. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.