Recent developments in modified-atmosphere packaging of fruits and vegetables: reducing condensation of water in bell peppers and mangoes.
Ben-Yehoshua S., Rodov V., Fishman S., Peretz J.
Author Affiliation: Department of Postharvest Science of Fresh Produce, Volcani Center, P.O. Box 6, Bet-Dagan 50250, Israel.
: 495-504
Abstract : Modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) was evaluated for individually sealed fruits, for a liner and for a multiply laminated container. A dynamic model of gas and water vapour exchange in a package containing fresh fruits and vegetables was developed. Model predictions were confirmed by measured observations. Perforating the film greatly affected O2 and CO2 concentrations and water condensation but not the in-package relative humidity. Bell peppers packaged in perforated film lost less weight during storage and maintained higher quality than fruits stored in open carton boxes, and at the same time demonstrated lower decay levels than peppers kept in non-perforated packaging. Perforating the film negated ripening inhibition that prevailed in mangoes in non-perforated packages. Perforated packages retained most of the advantages of the modified atmosphere. Non-perforated film of the polyamide type had a similar effect to perforated polyolefin film. Water condensation on the fruits and on the container wall was practically prevented.