Modified Atmospheres to keep the quality of minimally processed apple

Processing steps, such as cutting and peeling, increase the respiration rate and ethylene production of apple, quickening senescence phenomena with effects on texture, color and flavor. Packaging in modified atmosphere (MAP) is one of the most used technique to control this decay. This study concerns both conventional (CO2, O2, N2) and alternative (Ar, N2O) gases. Apples (cv Golden Delicious) were peeled and cut into 8 wedges, then dipped for 2? in 1% ascorbic acid + 0,5% citric acid solution. Part of the fruits were not dipped. All samples, dipped and not - dipped, were packed and sealed in polypropylene bowls, previously sanitized by UV radiation. The following atmosphere compositions were used: air (A); 99% N2, 1% O2 (B); 90% N2, 5% CO2, 5% O2 (C); 65% N2O, 25% Ar, 5% O2, 5% CO2 (D); 80% Ar, 20% CO2 (E). Analyses were carried out after 1, 4, 8 and 11 days of refrigerated storage (4 ?C). Ethylene production, color and firmness were evaluated. Sensory analysis was performed to judge the appearance, firmness, flavour and pleasantness of product. A remarkable ethylene production was observed in samples packed in air, but not in those stored in the other atmospheres. Both conventional mixes (B - C) and the Ar - CO2 combination (E) influenced positively the instrumental firmness values of not - dipped wedges during shelf - life; this beneficial effect was not observed in the corresponding dipped samples. The same atmospheres also had a protective effect on color of dipped fruit, which showed a lower browning index. In contrast, the same atmospheres did not limit the browning phenomena in not dipped apples, with even an enhancing effect for the Ar - CO2 mix (E). The sensory tests partially confirmed the instrumental results. Concerning firmness, the not - dipped wedges packed in B and E atmospheres, as well as the dipped sample packed in E, obtained the higher scores. ? Original title, full list of authors, and sources: EFFECT OF CONVENTIONAL AND ALTERNATIVE MODIFIED ATMOSPHERE PACKAGING ON THE SHELF LIFE OF FRESH - CUT APPLESCortellino, G.(*), Rizzolo, A. and Gobbi, S.giovanna.cortellino@entecra.itConsiglio per la Ricerca e la Sperimentazione in Agricoltura [Unit? di Ricerca per i processi dell?Industria AgroAlimentare] - CRA - IAA,Via Venezian 26, Milano, Italia CA MA 2013, XI International Controlled & Modified Atmosphere Research Conference Trani (Italy), 3-7 June 2013 The picture is by petersonfarmsinc.com?