Vol. 11, Special Issue 9 (2022)

Author(s):
Hari Pranesh G, Ganapathy S, Sudha P and Anand M

Abstract:
In the process of producing quality fresh fruits and vegetables, post-harvest handling is an essential link which maintains safety and quality of the products and reduces losses. During transportation and storage, product undergoes various mechanical and environmental stresses which leads to deterioration. In order to overcome these losses, modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) system in plastic crates was developed and its effect on physico-chemical analysis and shelf-life of tomato was evaluated. Tomatoes were stored at 10 ±2◦C in crates, wrapped in low-density polyethylene (LDPE) bags and arranged on pallets. After transporting and storing for a period of 0, 7, 14, and 21 days, effects of the storage time and packaging were evaluated. The MAP systems with pallets were assessed using a packaging atmospheric composition of 7 % O2, 12 % CO2 and 81 % N2 extended the shelf-life of the tomato stored at refrigeration temperature. Results showed that MAP delayed color evolution and reduced the firmness loss, physiological loss, biosynthesis of lycopene and increased the quality of tomato.