Effects of modified atmosphere packaging on quality parameters of minimally processed table grapes during cold storage

Abstract

‘Vittoria’ and ‘Red Globe’ table grapes were packed in microperforated polypropylene films (passive MAP) and non-perforated polyethylene (active MAP: 1) 20% CO2 + air; 2) 5% O2 + 15% CO2 + N) and stored at 5 °C for 28 days. Microperforated polypropylene packages had the highest postharvest performance in both cultivars until 14 days of cold storage, with reduced weight losses, rachis and berry decay. Total soluble solids content slightly increased in non-perforated polyethylene boxes as a consequence of the higher weight losses, particularly in active MAP with 5% O2 + 15% CO2 + N, while no significant differences were found for titratable acidity. Non-perforated polyethylene packages showed excessively high CO2 concentrations (30-60%) in headspace gas composition, causing berry and rachis decay. The highest post harvest performances in terms of weight losses, Total soluble solids, titratable acidity, crunchiness, juiciness and berry decay were found with micro-perforated polypropylene packages after 14 d of 5 °C cold storage, and 6 days of shelf-life (15-18°C).