Effect of Acid Calcium Sulfate Treatment on the Storage Quality of Fresh Waxy Corn after Harvest

In order to study the preservation effect of acidic calcium sulfate (ACS) on fresh waxy corn, the effects of diluted ACS (10⁻³) treatment on the nutritional quality and antioxidant activity of fresh waxy corn during storage (4 ℃) were studied. The results showed that ACS treatment could inhibit the weight loss, significantly slow down the increase of fruit skin hardness (P<0.05) and maintain the content of moisture, soluble solids, soluble sugars and secondary metabolites of fresh waxy corn during storage. ACS samples had higher content of non-enzymatic antioxidant substances (total polyphenols, flavonoids, anthocyanins) and higher antioxidant enzyme activity than CK samples, which improved the superoxide anion scavenging ability and reduced the accumulation of H₂O₂ content in corn kernels. In conclusion, ACS treatment could maintain the quality of fresh waxy corn and slow down the senescence by maintaining the antioxidant activity of corn kernels. It can provide a theoretical basis and technical reference for the storage of postharvest fresh waxy corn. This research provides a new idea for the development of fresh waxy corn preservative.