In this study, we investigated the effects of cooling rate during storage on spring kimchi cabbage from an economic perspective. For long-term storage, kimchi cabbage (KC) should be maintained at a low temperature immediately after harvest; however, a sudden change in temperature during storage may lead to chilling injury in KC. The optimal cooling rate is important for the long-term storage of KC. To identify the optimal cooling rate, KC was cooled at different cooling rates (1oC, 2oC, 4oC, 6oC, 8oC, and 24 oC/day), and then stored at 1oC for 90 days. Thereafter, weight, trimming, total loss, pH, free sugar content, and total bacterial count changes were measured. Spring KC stored at the cooling rate of 6 oC/day presented a lower total loss and better sensory properties than KC stored at other cooling rates; thus, 6 oC/day is an appropriate cooling rate for long-term storage of KC.

Ammonium (NH4 +-N) and nitrate-nitrogen (NO3-N) fertilizers were spread 30 kg/10a and 60 kg/10a, respectively, as additional fertilizers in nitrogen fertilization to investigate their effects on spring kimchi cabbage's physiological disorders during cold storage. The initial weight of spring kimchi cabbage after harvesting was 3.80 kg with two-fold NO3-N, whereas it was 3.22 kg with one-fold NO3-N. After 90 days of cold storage, the total loss ratio became lower as the nitrogen fertilizer ratio increased. The pH increased, reducing sugar content decrease during the storage. Black speck occurrence became higher as the nitrogen fertilizer increased. Mid-rib brown stain and soft rot were observed slightly in kimchi cabbage regardless of the nitrogen fertilizer ratio. Two-fold NO3-N fertilization showed a positive effect on increasing weight and reducing kimchi cabbage loss, but it exhibited a negative effect on the black speck. The method and content of nitrogen fertilization of spring kimchi cabbage may be adjusted according to the usage and storage periods.