LONG-TERM STORAGE OF LEEK STALKS UNDER REGULAR AND CONTROLLED ATMOSPHERES

A study was conducted to determine the best conditions for long-term storage of leek stalks (Allium porrum) grown in Quebec and to compare the performance of four different cultivars. The leeks were stored for 150 days at 1.5-degrees-C under a regular atmosphere (RA) (21% O2 + 79% N2) with relative humidity (RH) of about 80%, under a regular atmosphere with RH close to saturation (HRA), and under a controlled atmosphere (3% O2 + 3.5% C02 + 93.5% N2) with RH close to saturation (CA). The desired CA conditions were achieved and maintained with the use of a silicone membrane installed as a window on each laboratory-scale CA chamber. The results obtained from the experiment indicated clearly the superiority of CA over RA and HRA for long-term storage of the leek cultivars studied (Alaska, Argenta, Splendide and Victor). Leek stalks stored under CA had a firmer texture, a field-fresh appearance and required less trimming to reach market quality. After 150 days of storage, losses under CA were around 30%, compared with 70% and almost 85% for leeks stored under HRA and RA, respectively. No significant differences were observed between the four cultivars stored under CA. However, under RA and HRA, Argenta and Splendide leek stalks had lower mass loss and better quality than Alaska and Victor.