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Response surface methodology was applied in order to select the optimal thermal treatment (TT) and modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) needed to preserve minimally processed cactus stems, cv Atlixco. Accordingly, a 42 s/48°C TT together with a 10% CO2 MAP were selected, and their effects evaluated during storage at 4°C. Controls lost more weight (3.8%) than TT (3.3%), MAP (1.4%), and TT‐MAP (1.3%) cactus stems. Chilling injury (CI) symptoms decreased and were of a similar magnitude in both MAP and TT‐MAP cactus stems, whereas TT‐MAP cladodes were better able to preserve their characteristic green color and freshness, even after 28 days. Biochemically, no differences were detected in the electrolyte leakage (EL) of cactus stems, regardless of treatment. However, the high levels of adenosine triphosphate and of the reduced form of ascorbic acid, especially in MAP and TT‐MAP cladodes, suggest that an efficient antioxidant system was present in their tissues throughout storage. Practical applications: In Mexico, cactus stems have been eaten as vegetables since pre‐Hispanic times, and their current status as functional foods has helped them spread to various other countries. As cactus stems possess abundant spines, minimal processing is necessary in order to remove them. Stems must also be kept at 4°C so that their quality and general safety as food items are adequately preserved. However, we previously found that this temperature caused significant CI after just 14 days of storage. The present study, therefore, describes the selection of optimal conditions for the application of a TT that, together with a modified atmosphere (MA), induce tolerance to CI and maintain the quality of stems for up to 28 days. As a result, this work provides the necessary postharvest tools to further expand the distribution and sale of minimally processed cactus stems into domestic and international markets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]