MAP and low temperature treatments, effective to delay maturity and preserving the quality during the storage of cherry tomatoes

The effects of active modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) on the postharvest quality of cherry tomatoes stored at cold temperature (5?C) and in bi-oriented polypropylene/low density polyethylene BOPP/LDPE bags were investigated. The atmosphere composition used in the packaging was 5% O2 + 5% CO2 (MAP), and synthetic air (control). The variables measured were weight loss, firmness, sugar, organic acids, color, lycopene, respiration rate, and ethylene biosynthesis over 25 days. The results showed that active MAP could extend the shelf life of cherry tomatoes to 25 days and the gas concentration could influence the postharvest quality of cherry tomatoes. MAP treatment decreased the respiration rate and ethylene production rate while reducing weight loss, lycopene biosynthesis, and the formation of red color. Through the use of MAP it was possible to maintain firmness and delay changes in sugar and organic acid contents. The combination of active MAP and low temperature treatments was effective with regard to delaying maturity during the storage period, and preserving the quality of cherry tomatoes.SourcesEffect of active modified atmosphere and cold storage on the postharvest quality of cherry tomatoesC. Fagundes (a), K. Moraes (a), M.B. P?rez-Gago (b), L. Palou (b), M. Maraschin (c), A.R. Monteiro (a)(a) Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Departamento de Engenharia Qu?mica e Engenharia de Alimentos, Campus Universit?rio?Trindade, 88040-900 Florian?polis, SC, Brazil(b) Centre de Tecnologia Postcollita (CTP), Institut Valenci? d?Investigacions Agr?ries (IVIA), Apartat Oficial, Montcada, 46113 Val?ncia, Spain(c) Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Centro de Ci?ncias Agr?rias Departamento de Fitotecnia?Itacorubi, 88049-900 Florian?polis, SC, Brazil Postharvest Biology and Technology, Volume 109, November 2015, Pages 73?81 The picture shows cherry tomatoes packaging in vertical machine (vffs) in steady flat bottom pack with 4 edge seal; the machine used for this packaging is the FM 200, by ULMA Packaging, an Horizontal Flow Wrapper (HFFS) that makes a totally hermetic three sealing pillow pack for fresh food in modified atmosphere (MAP).