Storage of spinach under low oxygen atmosphere above the extinction point

The extinction point of spinach was <0.4% but above 0.2% O-2 at 0 degrees and 5 degrees C. Respiration rates were approximate to 2.3 times greater at 5 degrees C than at 0 degrees C and were similar among cultivars. In 0.8% O-2 atmosphere, O-2 uptake of three cultivars was reduced by an average of 53% and CO2 production was reduced by 35% relative to those stored in air. Deterioration of leaves was reduced by 30 to 54%, while weight loss, color and chlorophyll content were not affected by the 0.8% O-2 atmosphere. Thus O-2 could be allowed to be depleted to 0.8% in modified atmosphere packaging without quality loss due to anoxia.