HYDROCOOLING AS A TECHNIQUE TO MAINTAIN POSTHARVEST QUALITY AND PROLONG THE SHELF-LIFE OF SWEET BASIL BRANCHES AND LEAVES

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.36725/agries.v12i1.11386

Keywords:

Ocimum basilicum L, hydrocooling, leaves, post-harvest quality, shelf-life

Abstract

Sweet basil is known for its rapid deterioration. Consequently, hydrocooling may serve as a method for
preserving the quality and extending the shelf life of vegetables. This study evaluated the impact of
hydrocooling on the postharvest quality and shelf life of basil leaves and branches. For this purpose, basil
seedlings were produced through vegetative propagation in trays filled with substrate. Once fully rooted, the
plants were transplanted into experimental beds. Ninety days of post-transplantation, basil leaves and
branches were harvested and transported to the laboratory. In the lab, samples (25 g) of the leaves and
branches were selected, weighed, and then immersed in ice water at 4 ºC for 0, 3, 6, and 9 minutes. The
samples were wrapped in polyvinyl chloride film and stored at 5 ºC for periods of 2, 4, and 6 days. The
results indicated that basil leaves and branches subjected to hydrocooling for 6 minutes experienced less
fresh weight loss and maintained their color and visual appeal for up to 4 days. In contrast, those subjected to hydrocooling for 9 minutes exhibited reduced titratable acidity and lipid peroxidation. Hydrocooling
durations of 6 and 9 minutes proved to be the most effective in maintaining basil quality for up to 4 days at 5
°C.

Author Biographies

  • Jonathan Eduardo Giehl Mueller, Instituto Federal de Santa Catarina

    Bacharel em Agronomia.

  • Luana Bourscheidt, Instituto Federal de Santa Catarina

    Bacharel em Agronomia.

  • Genaina Aparecida de Souza, Federal University of Viçosa

    Doutora em Fisiologia Vegetal.

  • Odimar Zanuzo Zanardi, Instituto Federal de Santa Catarina/Professor Adjunto

    Professor Adjunto do Instituto Federal de Santa Catarina.

  • Aquidauana Miqueloto Zanardi, Instituto Federal de Santa Catarina/Professora Adjunta

    Professora Adjunta do Instituto Federal de Santa Catarina.

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Published

2026-06-11

Issue

Vol. 12 No. 1 (2026): Agri-Environmental Sciences

Section

Scientific paper

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How to Cite

HYDROCOOLING AS A TECHNIQUE TO MAINTAIN POSTHARVEST QUALITY AND PROLONG THE SHELF-LIFE OF SWEET BASIL BRANCHES AND LEAVES. (2026). AGRI-ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES, 12(1), 15. https://doi.org/10.36725/agries.v12i1.11386