Evolution of qualitative characteristics during blueberry fruit storage in MA storage

Postharvest, poscosecha, postcosecha, blueberry, ar?ndano, AM, MA The objective of this work was to investigate the effect of MAP on the soluble solids, acidity, anthocyanins and phenolics contents of Brigitta blueberry fruits during storage. The fruits were picked manually, individually deposited in polyethylene baskets and immediately transferred (1 h) to the laboratory under chilled conditions (10 ?C). The experimental storage units consisted of a pallet bag of two different types of film, polyethylene (120 ?m) and a biodegradable film derived from starch (180 ?m). According to ASTM F 2622 - 08 and ASTM F 2476 - 05 methods, the O2 and CO2 transmission rates, measured at 38 ?C and 90% RH, were, 2642 and 10654 [cm3/(m2 x 24h)], respectively, for the polyethylene film and 645 and 5984 [cm3/(m2 x 24h)], respectively, for the biodegradable film. All pallet bags were injected with 10% CO2. The initial gas composition of the active MAP (10% CO2 + 11% O2 + 79% N2) was chosen based on a previous report with some modifications. The flow - through system used to modify the atmosphere operates with high and low - pressure sides using CO2, O2 and N2. The air present in the pallet bags was partially substituted with the desired gas mixture. A manual timer regulated both the time of evacuation and filling with CO2. There was one pallet bag (with a volume of 1?728?000 cm3) for each treatment containing about 150 kg of blueberry fruits. The pallet bags were stored for up to 45 days in at 1 ? 1 ?C and at 85?90% RH. Results of both treatments was compared to a Control stored in normal air. The overall results indicate that blueberry storage can be effectively increased by exposing the fruit to a cold environment and an adequate atmosphere composition. The 10% CO2 + 11% O2 atmosphere composition reduced the changes in soluble solids content and acidity, and maintained acceptable anthocyanins and phenolics contents. SourcesEVOLUTION OF QUALITATIVE CHARACTERISTICS DURING BLUEBERRY FRUIT STORAGE IN A MODIFIED ATMOSPHEREPeano, C., Briano, R., Giuggioli, N.R. and Girgenti, V.(*)vincenzo.girgenti@unito.itDipartimento di Scienze Agrarie, Forestali e Alimentari, DISAFAUniversit? Degli Studi di Torino, ITALYVia Leonardo da Vinci,44Grugliasco (To) Fax +390116708658, Telephone +390116708939 CA MA 2013, XI International Controlled & Modified Atmosphere Research Conference, Trani (Italy), 3-7 June 2013The picture is the Palicontrol system, by ABSOGER, for individual palet MA.