Effect of light on sensory quality, health-promoting phytochemicals and antioxidant capacity in post-harvest baby mustard.

The effect of light exposure on sensory quality, health-promoting phytochemical contents, and antioxidant capacity in the lateral buds of baby mustard plants was investigated at ambient storage temperature (20 °C). The results showed that light exposure (36 μmol m-2 s-1) during post-harvest storage significantly prolonged shelf life (more than 1.75-fold), delayed the weight loss and the decrease of firmness. Light treatments also enhanced chlorophyll and carotenoid contents, and retarded declines in contents of soluble sugars, ascorbic acid, flavonoids and glucosinolates, as well as antioxidant capacity. The quality of baby mustard plants receiving 24 h daily light treatment was superior to those in plants receiving 12 h treatment and constant darkness at 20 °C. These findings indicate that light exposure, especially 24 h treatment, is an effective method of prolonging shelf life and maintaining sensory and nutritional qualities in baby mustard plants stored at ambient temperature.