Postharvest storage of white asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.) : Changes in dietary fiber (nonstarch polysaccharides)

Changes occurring in the content and composition of the dietary fiber of white asparagus during storage in different conditions were studied (2 °C; 2 °C in polyethylene bags with air; 2 °C in polyethylene bags with a selected gas mixture). The neutral sugars and uronic acid composition of dietary fiber was determined by gas chromatography and by a spectrophotometric method. The modifications observed in the dietary fiber of the asparagus stored at 2 °C were more rapid and pronounced than those in polyethylene bags. The most important changes corresponded to xylose and glucose from insoluble dietary fiber and galactose from soluble dietary fiber. Statistical analysis indicated that the modifications were significantly affected by the type of storage and time. Keywords: Asparagus officinalis L.; nonstarch polysaccharides; storage