Changes of Physically-Chemical Parameters of 'Nante' Carrot Hybrids During Storage in Traditional Conditions

The current research focuses on changes of physically-chemical parameters of 'Nante' carrot hybrids during storage in traditional conditions. Quality parameters during carrot storage for six months at temperature 8 ± 2 oC and relative air humidity 85 ± 1 % were evaluated using standard methods: soluble solids (digital refractometer), dietary fibre (AOAC 985.29), ascorbic acid (iodometric) and firmness (TA.XT.plus Texture Analyser). Before storage, hybrids 'Nante/Berlikum', 'Nante/Maestro' and 'Nante/Bolero' had higher soluble solid content: 1.6 times higher comparing with hybrid 'Nante/Forto' and 1.2 times higher compared with hybrid 'Nante/Champion'. These hybrids also had higher ascorbic acid content: 2.0 times higher than in 'Nante/Forto' and 'Nante/Champion'. Significant differences were not found in dietary fibre content and firmness of non-stored carrots. Substantial differences were observed in soluble solid content in the hybrid 'Nante/Berlikum' during six-month storage - the content decreased 2.0 times. However, nonsignificant decrease of soluble solids content decreases was found for the hybrid 'Nante/Forto'. Changes in hybrid firmness and dietary fibre amount were not significant during storage for four months. Ascorbic acid content of the carrot hybrids during storage decreased by 3.4 times.