[Changes in nitrate levels and nitrates in carrot roots during storage in an earthen clamp]

The aim of this study was the determine the nitrate and nitrite contents in edible parts of 5 varieties of carrot, before clamping and after uncovering, in fresh carrot and dry matter. The colorimetric methods of Griess with modified by Romminger and Straus were used. Dry matter was determined with a drier. Statistical significance of differences in the levels of the studied compounds was calculated by a two-ways analysis of variance. In the studied carrot before clamping average 406.6 mg KNO3/kg and 4.1 mg NaNO2/kg of fresh product was found. These amounts considerably admissible values. After 6-month storage a statistically significant decrease in nitrate levels of Karlena, Perfekcja and Amager was found, in dry matter, whereas a statistically significant increase in Koral variety, while no statistically significant difference in the nitrate level did not changes, was found in Bercoro variety. As concerns nitrites a statistically significant decrease was stated in all carrot varieties.