Work

Shelf-life extension of green leafy vegetables through minimal processing: Special emphasis on the use of novel techniques

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: A key constituent in the shelf-life extension of leafy greens is post-harvest processing. As green leafy vegetables are a crucial part of the diet, their high perishability is a concern. Leafy greens are a rich source of nutrients, vitamins, and antioxidants, and they hold a higher place in the food pyramid. Traditional preservation techniques like thermal processing, drying, and freezing have been unable to provide the desired results, leading to certain disadvantages like microbial spoiling, unwanted residue, and short shelf life. Novel techniques like ultrasound, nanoemulsions, edible coatings, and hurdle technology require minimal processing but provide superior results. The increased shelf-life using minimal processing techniques for various fruits and vegetables has been achieved, but leafy greens are yet to be exploited. The short-term availability of green leafy vegetables is a major challenge to successful shelf-life extension and is thus also an important research area. This review aims to provide detailed insights into the nutritional/medicinal value, as well as minimal processing techniques for shelf-life extension of the leafy greens. It also discusses the major challenges and solutions explored to achieve increased shelf-life of green leafy vegetables. • Minimal processing preserves the bioactive compounds of GLVs, maintaining their medicinal benefits. • Edible coatings reduce browning, moisture loss, and microbial contamination in GLVs. • Radiation provides a chemical-free shelf life extension. • Ozone and ultrasound improve sanitization and remove pesticide residues. • Nanoemulsion and cold plasma decontaminate efficiently, and hurdle technology boosts shelf life.

Source: Journal of Agriculture and Food Research

DOI: 10.1016/j.jafr.2025.101703

Authors: Riya Goel, Darshanjot Kaur, Ravneet Kaur, Kaiser Younis, Ovais Shafiq Qadri

Institutions: Thapar Institute of Engineering & Technology, Islamic University of Science and Technology, Islamic University of Science and Technology, Kashmir

Language: English

Topic: Postharvest Quality and Shelf Life Management

Subfield: Plant Science

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

SDGs: Zero hunger, Responsible consumption and production

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,530