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Procedure to optimize modified atmosphere packaging for fruit

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  15 January 2003

Patrick Varoquaux
Affiliation:
Institut national de la recherche agronomique, UMR 408 Sécurité et qualité des produits d'origine végétale, Domaine Saint-Paul, Site Agroparc, 84914 Avignon cedex 9, France
Barbara Gouble
Affiliation:
Institut national de la recherche agronomique, UMR 408 Sécurité et qualité des produits d'origine végétale, Domaine Saint-Paul, Site Agroparc, 84914 Avignon cedex 9, France
Marie-Noëlle Ducamp
Affiliation:
Cirad-Flhor, Bld de la Lironde, TA 50 / PS4, 34398 Montpellier Cedex 5, France
Guy Self
Affiliation:
Cirad-Flhor, Bld de la Lironde, TA 50 / PS4, 34398 Montpellier Cedex 5, France
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Abstract

Introduction. The respiration of living plant tissues and the diffusion of gases through the packaging material modify the atmosphere composition in the fresh product package. This modified atmosphere (MA) can be beneficial to the storage of fruit tissues, but, if the permeances of the films are not properly optimized, the MA may be inefficient or even detrimental. To define the optimal permeances (or permeability) for O2, CO2 and water vapor of the packaging film, the respiration rate of plant tissue must be measured as a function of temperature and atmosphere, and the O2 and CO2 concentrations that maximize shelf life must be determined. The best combination of packaging films, type and condition of fresh produce and storage temperature may be computed and verified experimentally. Materials andmethods. The work presents methods for measurement of the respiration rate of plant tissue, then the influence of temperature and the influence of O2 and CO2 contents are studied. This makes it possible to determine the optimal O2 and CO2 concentrations and the optimal gas transmission rates of packaging material. Lastly, experiments regarding the simulation of modified atmospheres are described. Conclusion. The methodology presented in our work provides helpful information to meet the need of optimal fruit and vegetable packaging.

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Type
Research Article
Copyright
© CIRAD, EDP Sciences

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