Effects of egg shell calcium treatments on the short-term storage of cut Kimchi cabbage

Abstract

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of egg shell calcium treatments on short-term storage of cut Kimchi cabbage. Egg shell ash powder (ESP-2) had the greatest calcium contents. Calcium solubility was greater in citric acid than acetic acid and ascorbic acid. Cut Kimchi cabbages (3×3 cm) were treated with 0.5%, 1.0%, and 2.0% egg shell powder (ESP-1), and egg shell ash powder (ESP-2), and 0.5% citric acid, put inside polyethylene (PE) bags, and stored at 5°C for 6 weeks. Weight loss was about 99.85-99.90%, and the ratio was the lowest upon 0.5% ESP-2 treatment (p<0.05). The reduction ratios of soluble solids were 21.3-43.4%, and decreased in the order of 1.0% ESP-2 treatment and 0.5% ESP-1. The L* values decreased, whereas a* and b* values of Hunter colorimetry increased in all treatments. ΔE values were lowest upon 0.5% ESP-2 treatment. 0.5% ESP-2 treatment showed better quality characteristics than other treatments. Thus, egg shell calcium treatments could effectively enhance the shelf-life of cut Kimchi cabbage.