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.

• 배정미(한국식품연구원 저장유통연구단) | Jeong Mi Bae
• 이다움(한국식품연구원 저장유통연구단) | Da Uhm Lee
• 정문철(한국식품연구원 저장유통연구단) | Moon Cheol Jeong
• 최정희(한국식품연구원 저장유통연구단) | Jeong Hee Choi