This study was carried out to investigate shelf-life and quality of fresh-cut Dungkunma (Dioscorea bulbifera) in order to elevate utilization of Dungkunma a fresh food. Before vacuum-packaging (in polyethylene/polypropylene film (100μm, 15×20 cm, 75±2 cmHg) and storaging at 2℃, Dungkunma was peeled out and cut to dice type (2.0±0.5 cm3), and then washed and blanched using hot water (at 90±2℃ with 2% NaCl solution for 30 sec). Blanched Dungkunma was pre-dried at room temperature, 40℃ and 50℃ for removing surface water. Each peeled dice Dungkunma was packed 50 g in polyethylene/polypropylene film (100 μm, 15×20 cm) with vacuum treatment (75±2 cmHg) and stored at 2℃ for 90 days. Hardness and adhesiveness of Dungkunma blanched by 2% NaCl and pre-dried at 50℃ (SB50) were the highest, but changes were the least during storage. Lightness and yellowness of stored Dungkunma in all treatments decreased slightly while redness increased during storage. Changes of color of SB50 was the least. Total concentration of aerobic bacteria in SB50 was 1.88±0.18 log CFU/g during 90 days and E. coli was detected in all treatments during whole storage periods. Dioscin and allantoin contents of SB50 were virtually unchanged during the storage. Consequently, the results of this study suggest that vacuum packaged Dungkunma after blanching using 2% NaCl solution could be effective to prolong the quality of fresh-cut Dungkunma.

Background : Dungkunma (Dioscorea bulbifera, commonly known as the air potato, air yam, bitter yam, cheeky yam, potato yam) is a species of true yam in the yam family, and has been used as folk remedy to treat conjunctivitis, diarrhea and dysentery, etc. This study was carried out to investigate shelf-life and quality of fresh-cut Dungkunma (Dioscorea bulbifera) in order to elevate utilization of Dungkunma as fresh food. Methods and Results : Before vacuum-packaging (in polyethylene/polypropylene film (100 ㎛, 15 × 20 ㎝, 75 ± 2 ㎝Hg) and storage at 2℃, Dungkunma were peeled out and cut to dice type (2.0 ± 0.5 ㎤), and then washed and blanched (30 sec at 90 ± 2℃ hot water and 2% NaCl solution) and pre-dried at room temperature, 40℃ and 50℃ for removing surface water. Each peeled dice Dungkunma were packed 50 g in polyethylene/polypropylene film (100 ㎛, 15 × 20 ㎝) with vacuum treatment (75 ± 2 ㎝Hg) and stored at 2℃ for 90 days. Hardness and adhesiveness of Dungkunma blanched by 2% NaCl and pre-dried at 50℃ (SB50) was the highest and increased and decreased, respectively, but changes was the least during storage. Lightness and yellowness of stored Dungkunma in all treatments decreased slightly and redness increased during storage but changes of color was the least at SB50. On vacuum packing, SB50 showed 1.88 log CFU/g of total aerobic bacteria during 90 days, and E. coliwas detected in all treatments during whole storage periods. Dioscin and allantoin content of SB50 was virtually unchanged during the storage. Conclusion : Consequently, the results of this study suggest that vacuum packaged Dungkunma after blanching at 2% NaCl could be effective to prolong the quality of fresh-cut Dungkunma and could be easily used.

본 연구는 면역저하 환자용 신선편의 채소류의 위생화를 위해 당근, 오이고추, 방울토마토, 파프리카를 모델식품으로 선정하여 다양한 흡수선량으로 엑스선 조사처리한 후 미생물학적, 이화학적, 관능적 품질 평가를 수행하였다. 당근과 오이고추의 경우 0.4 kGy, 방울토마토와 파프리카의 경우 0.2 kGy 이상의 흡수선량으로 엑스선 조사처리 시멸균이 확인되었으며, 총 호기성세균 및 대장균군을 제외한 병원균들은 1 log 수준의 검출한계 이하로 나타났다. 모델식품에 접종된 E. coli. L. monocytogenes, S. Typhimyrium에 대한 엑스선의 D10값은 0.11-0.32 kGy로 나타나, 0.4 kGy의 흡수선량을 신선편의 채소류의 멸균을 위한 잠정적인 최소 흡수선량으로 설정하였다. 최대 0.6 kGy의 흡수선량으로 엑스선 조사처리된 신선편의 채소류에 대한 전체 선호도의 경우 7점 척도에서 모두 5.0 점 이상으로 나타나 이들의 관능적 품질이 수용 가능한 수준인 것으로 판단하였다. 또한, 암환자를 대상으로 엑스선 멸균처리(0.4 kGy)된 신선편의 채소류에 대한 선호도 설문조사에서 오이고추와 방울토마토, 파프리카의 경우 모든 항목에 대한 평균 선호도 점수는 5점 척도에서 모두 4.0점 이상으로 나타났다. 따라서 엑스선으로 멸균처리된 오이고추, 방울토마토, 파프리카는 면역력이 저하된 환자들을 위한 위생학적으로 안전한 신선편의 채소로 제공이 가능할 것으로 판단된다.

Inappropriate storage of fresh-cut onions may result in losses of good quality. To understand storage conditions for shelf-life and quality of fresh-cut onions, The effect of packing type and storage temperature on the quality of fresh-cut onions was evaluated. Onions stored at 0℃ for 2 months were peeled off after removing root and shoot parts. Each three peeled onions were packed in a polyethylene film (PE, 50 μm) or in a polyethylene/polypropylene film (PE/PP, 100 μm) with vacuum treatment (70 cmHg) and stored at different temperatures (4, and 10℃) for 21 days. The following analyses were examined to evaluate the quality of fresh-cut onions: microbial population, surface color, titratable acidity and pH, respiration rate, and sensory quality. Fresh-cut onions stored at 4℃ showed less aerobic and coliform bacterial population than those stored at 10℃ during observation periods. Fungal populations of fresh-cut onions packed in PE film stored at 10℃ increased significantly after 13 days. E. coli was not detected in all treatments during whole storage periods. Surface colors of fresh-cut onions were not affected by packing type and storage temperature, however, color difference (ΔE) of fresh-cut onions in PE/PP film stored at 10℃ was significantly higher than those of other treatments. Titratable acidity of fresh-cut onions was not affected by packing type and storage temperature. However, pH of fresh-cut onions packed in PE film stored at 10℃ increased gradually over the whole storage period. Fresh-cut onions packed in PE film showed higher CO2 and less O2 concentrations at 10℃ than those at 4℃. The sensory quality of fresh-cut onions was significantly affected by packing type and storage temperature after 13 days. Particularly, vacuum treatment in PE/PP film showed better sensory quality than that of PE film package at the same storage temperature. It was concluded that vacuum treatment and storage at 4℃ could be effective to prolong the quality of fresh-cut onions up to 21 days.

This study investigated the effect of heat treatments on the quality characteristics of fresh-cut 'Romaine' lettuce by treating in hot water (45, 50, and 55℃) for 2 minutes. Sensory properties, respiration rate, ethylene production, microbial growth, browning index, total phenolics (TP), vitamin C, and antioxidant properties (DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays) of samples were evaluated after 5 days at 5℃. All heat treatment conditions tested in this study did not affect the change in TP after storage. Treatment at 45℃ enhanced respiration rate and ethylene production wheres decreased vitamin C content and antioxidant activities. There was no significant difference in browning index at 45℃ treatment. The rapid tissue softening occurred when treated with 55℃ hot water for 2 minutes. The 50℃ heat treatments exhibited the best quality index including texture and color, and inhibited microbial growth and browning after storage. In addition, the 50℃ heat treatment showed the highest vitamin C content and antioxidant activities (DPPH, ABTS, FRAP assay) after storage. Therefore, the 50℃ heat treatment can be used to maintain quality and antioxidant property of fresh-cut ‘Romain’ lettuce.

본 연구에서는 argon 가스포장과 기존의 갈변저해물질 중 그 효과가 입증된 ascorbic acid와 저온 blanching 처리등의 병용처리를 통해 신선편이 감자의 저장 중 품질에 미치는 효과에 대하여 조사하였다. 감자는 박피 후 cube 형태(1.5×1.5×1.5 cm)로 절단하여 증류수에 1분간 세척 후 물기를 제거하여 argon 가스포장(AR), 1% ascorbic acid에 1분간 침지(AA), 1% ascorbic acid에 1분간 침지 후 argon 가스포장(AAR), 35℃에서 30분간 blanching처리(BA), 35℃에서 30분간 blanching처리 후 argon 가스포장(BAR), 아무처리도 하지 않은 것을 대조구(Cont)로 하여 OPP film에 열접합 포장 후 5℃에 저장하였다. Cont, AA, BA구의 O2 농도는 저장기간이 지남에 따라 감소하였으나, argon 가스 포장처리구인 AR, AAR, BAR구에서 O2 농도는 저장기간이 지남에 따라 조금씩 증가하였다. CO2 농도는 저장기간 이 지남에 따라 모두 증가하였다. 색도 분석 결과 argon 가스포장한 AR, AAR, BAR구에서 Cont, AA, BL구에 비해 높은 L*값과 낮은 갈변도 값을 나타내었으며, 총균수를 분석한 결과 Cont구에서 눈에 띄게 높은 총균수를 나타내었고, argon 가스포장처리구인 AR, AAR, BAR구에서 AA, BL구보다 비교적 낮은 총균수를 나타내어 argon 가스포장이 항갈변 뿐만 아니라 호기성미생물의 생육 저해에 효과가 있음을 알 수 있었다. Polyphenol oxidase(PPO) 활성은 Cont구에서 눈에 띄게 높은 PPO 활성을 나타내었고 AR처리구에서 가장 낮은 PPO 활성을 나타내었다. DPPH 라디칼 소거능을 이용하여 항산화 활성을 분석해 본 결과 AA, AAR구에서 눈에 띄게 높은 항산화 활성을 나타내었으며, 나머지 구간에는 큰 차이가 없었다. 따라서 argon 가스포장과 병용처리는 신선편이 감자의 갈변 저해, PPO 활성 저해, 항균 효과 등 품질저하를 방지하는데 효과가 있는 것으로 사료된다.

신선편이 연근의 갈변을 저해하기 위해 감초, 황기 추출물로 블랜칭 처리하여 색도, 경도, DPPH radical 소거능, pH 및 가용성 고형분 함량을 분석하였다. 갈변의 지표인 색도 L* 값의 결과, 감초 또는 황기 추출물을 처리한 구에서 대조구보다 높게 나타났다. 경도의 경우 모든 구에서 유의적 차이가 발견되지 않았으며, DPPH radical 소거능은 모든 구에서 저장 기간에 따라 감소하였으나 감초 추출물 처리구의 활성이 가장 높게 유지되었다. pH는 저장 기간에 따라 모든 구에서 감소하였으나 대조구가 가장 서서히 감소하였으며, 가용성 고형분 함량의 경우 저장 기간이 증가할수록 처리구의 함량은 증가하고 대조구는 그 수준을 유지하였으며 처리구 사이의 유의적 차이는 나타나지 않았다. 이러한 연구 결과를 통해 감초와 황기 열수 추출물의 블랜칭 처리가 신선편이 연근의 품질 열화에는 영향을 주지 않으면서 갈변을 효과적으로 억제함을 확인할 수 있었다.

신선편이 단호박 원료의 수확 후 적정 후숙 기간과 신선편이 가공 후 포장방법을 구명하고자 연구를 수행하였다. 소형 단호박 ‘보짱‘을 수확하여 1주, 2주 후숙시킨 다음 1차 수돗물 세척 후 100 μL/L의 염소수에 살균소독 세척한 다음 절단하여 80 μm PE/Ny 필름에 진공 및 밀봉포장 하여 5℃ 에서 21일간 저장하였다. 단호박의 후숙기간은 신선편이 가공 후 포장내부의 기체 조성 및 품질에 영향을 미쳤다. 단호박 원료 2주 후숙 처리는 1주 후숙 처리보다 신선편이 제품 저장 중 CO2 농도가 2.2～5.0 kPa 낮았고, 저장 7일 이후 경도가 낮게 나타났으며, 당도는 2주 후숙이 1주 후숙 처리 보다 2～3% 높게 나타났다. 그리고 적색도(Hunter a)도 2주 후숙이 1주 후숙보다 높게 나타났고, 색과 외관에 대한 관능점수가 높아 기호성이 우수하였으며, 이취발생도 적어 저장 3주까지 상품성을 유지하였다. 그리고 밀봉포장은 진공포장보다 미생물 수가 적고, 외관에 대한 관능적 점수가 높게 나타났다. 따라서 단호박을 수확 후 2주 후숙한 다음 신선편이 가공하여 밀봉포장하는 것이 신선편이 단호박의 품질을 높일 수 있는 방법으로 판단되었다.

신선편이 연근의 갈변도를 분석하는 방법으로써 이미지 분석법에 대한 가능성에 대해서 연구하였다. 우선 신선편 이 연근의 갈변 저해 처리를 위해서 50℃의 증류수에 5분간 블랜칭 처리(DB), 50℃의 1% ascorbic acid에 5분간 블랜칭 처리(AB), 50℃의 1% citric acid에 5분간 블랜칭 처리(CB) 하고, 절단 후 아무 처리도 하지 않은 것을 대조구로 하였다. 갈변 저해 처리 후 0.04 mm의 polyethylene film(25 cm×30 cm)에 열 접합 포장 후 4℃에서 9일 동안 저장하면서 관능 평가, 갈변도, polyphenol oxidase 활성을 분석하였다. 연근 의 갈변도 분석은 사진 자료를 바탕으로 3가지 컬러 모델을 사용하였는데, 우선 RGB와 CIE L*a*b* 컬러 모델에서 각각 의 색 지표를 분석하고 HSV 컬러 모델을 이용하여 갈변 면적을 분석하였다. 관능 평가에서 AB와 CB 처리구가 저 장 9일째까지 갈변 현상이 가장 많이 억제된 것으로 나타났 고, RGB 컬러 모델에서 R, G, B 값이 모든 처리구에서 감소하는 것을 확인하였으며, 특히 AB와 CB 처리구에서 감소하는 정도가 가장 적은 것으로 나타났다. CIE L*a*b*와 HSV 컬러 모델에서는 저장 기간이 지남에 따라서 L*값은 감소하고 a*, b* 값과 갈변 면적은 증가하는 것으로 확인되 었는데 AB와 CB 처리구에서 값의 변화 정도가 가장 낮은 것을 확인 할 수 있었다. Polyphenol oxidase 활성 분석에서 도 모든 저장 기간 동안 AB와 CB 처리구에서 효소의 활성 이 가장 낮게 나타났으며, 위의 결과들을 토대로 유기산과 블랜칭 병용 처리에 의해서 연근의 갈변이 억제되었음을 확인하였다. 관능 평가와 모든 실험 결과 값의 상관관계 분석에서는 최소 0.84 이상의 상관관계가 있었는데, 특히 L* 값이 0.93으로 상관관계가 가장 높은 것을 확인 하였다. 따라서 본 연구에서 실시한 이미지 분석법은 다양한 컬러 모델을 이용하여서 신선편이 연근의 갈변도를 분석하기에 적합한 것으로 판단된다.

This study was conducted to investigate the change in quality attributes of fresh-cut potatoes with heat and browning inhibitor treatment (CW: dip in the cold water for 30 sec at 4℃, HW: dip in the water for 60 sec at 55℃, AA: dip in the 0.1% solution of ascorbic acid for 60 sec at 4℃, HA: dip in the 0.1% solution of ascorbic acid for 60 sec at 55℃) during storage at 5℃. During storage, fresh-cut potatoes treated with HA showed the lowest value in surface color. PPO and PAL activities of fresh-cut potatoes treated with HA were gradually increased during storage. Hardness, weight loss, soluble solids content and moisture content had no significant difference between the treatments. In sensory acceptance, fresh-cut potatoes treated for HA marked the best quality. Conclusively, heat and browning inhibitor treatment showed the positive effect on browning inhibition while maintaining the quality of fresh-cut potatoes.

The effect of phytoncide solution treatment on the browning and quality of fresh-cut iceberg lettuce during storage was studied. The treatments were applied as four solutions adjusted at 10℃: distilled water (DW) as the control; edible ethanol (EE); 1% (v/v) phytoncide essential oil from pine needle diluted with distilled water (DP); and 1% (v/v) phytoncide essential oil diluted with edible ethanol (EP). Fresh-cut lettuce was dipped in each solution for 60 sec, was rinsed with distilled water, was packaged with an OPP film bag, and was then stored at 4℃ for 12 days. The EP group had a significantly high level of total soluble solids, titratable acidity, and carbon dioxide, and low total bacteria counts, pH, and oxygen. The sensory score of color in the EP group recorded a high value, but the EE and EP groups recorded low scores in aroma and taste during the storage period. Alcohol and phytoncide were vaporized by opening the package for two hours, and the score of the aroma and taste of EP showed no differences from those of the other groups. Based on the above results, it was determined that the phytoncide essential oil diluted in edible alcohol with 1% solution inhibited the browning of and microbial growth in fresh-cut lettuce, and will be a useful natural compound in maintaining the quality of fresh-cut produce.

To extend the shelf-life of freshly cut lotus roots, the effect of their heat treatment in water at 50℃ was investigated and compared with that of their treatment using 1 percent ascorbic acid and citric acid during their storage. In addition, consecutive heat and acid treatment was applied to freshly cut lotus roots to determine its synergy effect. The level of molds in the sample that was treated with 50℃ water for 60 minutes was the lowest among the treatments and 3.89 log CFU/g after 12-day storage, whereas the population of the control was 6.81 log CFU/g for the same number of days. During the storage, the surface color of the samples showed higher ΔE values and lower L values than that of the initial sample. The color with the heat treatment hardly changed, unlike in the control. The consecutive treatments with hot water and acid showed less quality loss than the simple heat treatment. The marketable quality was maintained for three days without any treatment, for nine days with the heat treatment, and for 12 days with the consecutive treatments of hot water and acid. The consecutive treatments with hot water and acid, especially with 1 percent citric acid, extended the shelf-life of the freshly cut lotus roots by inhibiting the growth of microorganisms and the browning.

The effects of dip treatments of chemicals (ascorbic acid, cystein, sodium chloride, magnesium chloride, calcium chloride, histidine: 1% solution) and medicinal herbs (Pueraria thunbergiana, Angelica gigas, Dioscorea japonica, Lindera strychifolia, Cnidium officinale, Astragalus membranaceus: 1% extracts), heat shock (40-60℃ water), and edible coating (albumin, dextrin, sucrose poly ester, whole soy flour: 0.5-4% solution) on the browning degree of fresh-cut 'Fuji' apples were studied. Among the each treatment methods, the surface browning of fresh-cut apples was best retarded by calcium chloride dip, Astragalus membranaceus dip, 45-50℃ heat shock, coating with 3% dextrin or 1% whole soy flour. The results suggest that the treatments of medicinal herbs extracts, heat shock, and edible coating can be used as alternative for the use of chemical agents for the antibrowning of fresh-cut apples

The aim of this study was to investigate the growth of aerobic bacteria in fresh-cut salad during short-term temperature abuse (4∼30℃temperature for 1, 2, and 3 h) for 72 h and to develop predictive models for the growth of total viable cells (TVC) based on Predictive food microbiology (PFM). The tool that was used, Pathogen Modeling program (PMP 7.0), predicts the growth of Aeromonas hydrophila (broth Culture, aerobic) at pH 5.6, NaCl 2.5%, and sodium nitrite 150 ppm for 72 h. Linear models through linear regression analysis; DMFit program were created based on the results obtained at 5, 10, 20, and 30℃ for 72 h (r2 >0.9). Secondary models for the growth rate and lag time, as a function of storage temperature, were developed using the polynomial model. The initial contamination level of fresh-cut salad was 5.6 log CFU/mL of TVC during 72 h storage, and the growth rate of TVC was shown to be 0.020∼1.083 CFU/mL/h (r2 >0.9). Also, the growth tendency of TVC was similar to that of PMP (grow rate: 0.017∼0.235 CFU/mL/h; r2=0.994∼1.000). The predicted shelf life with PMP was 24.1∼626.5 h, and the estimated shelf life of the fresh-cut salads with short-term temperature abuse was 15.6∼31.1 h. The predicted shelf life was more than two times the observed one. This result indicates a ‘fail safe’ model. It can be taken to a ludicrous extreme by adopting a model that always predicts that a pathogenic microorganism will grow even under conditions so strict as to be actually impossible.

Enzymatic action and microbial growth degrade the quality of fresh-cut lettuce. Browning, a bad smell, and softening during storage are the major forms of quality deterioration. Health-oriented consumers tend to avoid foods treated with chemicals to maintain their freshness. This study was conducted to evaluate the change in the quality of fresh-cut lettuce with combined low-temperature blanching (LB) and ultrasonication (US). The optimum condition was selected using the response surface methodology (RSM), through a regression analysis with the following independent variables; the ultrasonication time (X1), blanching temperature (X2), blanching time (X3), and dependent variable; ΔE value (y). It was found that the condition with the lowest ΔE value occurred with combined 90s US and 45℃ 90s LB (US+LB). The combined treatment group (US+LB) was stored at 10℃ for 9 days with the control group and each single-treatment group, with low-temperature blanching and ultrasonication. Overall, the US+LB group had a significantly high L* value, which indicates significantly low a*, b*, ΔE, browning index, PPO, and POD activity values, and a low total bacteria count (p < 0.05). The US+LB group also had the highest sensory score (except for aroma and texture; p > 0.05).

The effects of ultrasound and ascorbic acid cotreatment on the browning inhibition and microbial growth of fresh-cut Tsugaru apples were investigated. The prepared samples were dipped in distilled water (Cont) or 1% (w/v) ascorbic acid solution (AA) and were then ultrasonicated in distilled water (US) or 1% (w/v) ascorbic acid solution (AA+US). The samples were then packed in a 0.04mm polypropylene bag (20×15 cm) and were stored at 10℃ for eight days. The AA+US treated samples showed high L* and low a*, b* values as well as inactivated PPO activity. The growth of the total aerobic bacteria also inhibited the AA+US treated samples more. The physicochemical properties were not different among all the samples. It was demonstrated in this paper that the ultrasonication treatment with ascorbic acid prevented the enzymatic browning of and microbial growth in fresh-cut Tsugaru apples.

Whole apples were cut with a sharp or dull knife, and whole cabbages and crisp lettuce heads were cut into salad or thin strips with a knife or by hand. The fresh-cut apples, cabbages, and lettuce were packed in low-density polyethylene bags and kept at 4°C, and their qualities were investigated. Browning and softening of the apples that were cut with a sharp knife were more delayed than those of the apples that were cut with a dull knife. The soluble solids and pH of the fresh-cut apples were not affected by the sharpness of the cutting blade. The browning indexes of the fresh-cut cabbages and lettuce were significantly lower in the samples that were cut with a knife than by hand and in the samples that were cut into large pieces. The results suggest that the cutting blade sharpness, cutting tools, and cut types affected the quality of the fresh-cut apples and leafy vegetables, and that the cutting methods which minimized the cutting damage should be used to retard the browning and softening of the produce

With the rapid growth of fresh-cut produce market, the South Korean fresh-cut industry is facing the challenge of ensuring food safety. As the estimation of the microbial numbers in fresh-cut produce processing lines (tools, and equipment) using the conventional microbiological techniques takes days, so there is a need for faster and easier monitoring methods. This study was conducted to investigate the use of ATP bioluminescence assay to measure the degree of microbial contamination from three actual fresh-cut processing lines. The samples collected from frech-cut vegetables, and fresh-cut fruits processing plants were tested for the estimation of the bacterial number, using the ATP bioluminescence and microbiological methods. The result of former was transferred to log RLU/100 cm2, and that of the latter was transferred to log CFU/100 cm2. A positive linear correlation between the ATP bioluminescence assay value and aerobic-plate count was found for fresh-cut processing lines, with a correlation coefficient of 0.8772 (n=50). The results of this study indicate that ATP bioluminescence assay can be used to monitor microbial contamination in fresh-cut produce processing plants, and can help improve the hygiene therein.

According to lifestyle changes, the consumers’ concern about food also shifts from calories and nutrition to health and convenience. Fresh-cut produce is one of the new turns in the consumption pattern of fruits and vegetables. The increasing demand for it requires processors to make them stable in quality and safe from microorganisms. The results of the evaluation of the production process and hygienic management of fresh-cut lettuce revealed that the facilities used, such as the drainage holes, floors, and door knobs, were severely contaminated with microbes, and that the work equipment, workbenches, landing nets, and centrifuges were highly contaminated. Accordingly, improved production processes and management systems are necessary, as is the implementation of a quality control system from the stage of raw-material purchase to the distribution stage.

Fresh-cut burdock roots were processed at 4 and 25℃, respectively. The fresh-cut burdock roots were treated with different browning inhibitors (3% citric acid, 3% sodium chloride, 0.3% cystein, and 3% sodium acetate solutions), and the changes in their quality and browning characteristics were investigated. The respiration rate and browning index of the cut roots prepared at 4℃ were lower than those of the cut roots prepared at 25℃. The soluble solid content was higher in the cut roots prepared at 4℃ than in those prepared at 25℃. The weight loss and flesh firmness were not affected by the processing temperatures. Among the browning inhibitors, 0.3% cystein showed the best browning-retarding effect. There was no difference in phenolic compound content between the browning-inhibitor-treated roots and the nontreated roots, but the PPO activity was higher in the latter than in the former. Therefore, the processing temperatures of fresh-cut burdock roots affected their quality and browning development, and the combination of a low processing temperature and the use of the proper browning inhibitor should be applied for the higher quality of the produce.