The effects of atmosphere composition on ‘Sweetheart' sweet cherry have been analysed. Cherries were harvested at commercial maturity and stored in air and in four different controlled atmospheres at 1°C and 95% RH. Changes in soluble solids, titratable acidity, texture, anthocyanin content, and colour, as well as the effects on sensory attributes were monitored. Titratable acidity decreased in cherries stored in air at the end of the experimental period, but the content of soluble solids remained unchanged. Samples kept in CA exhibited better texture that those stored in air. Colour changes were similar for all conditions: L{sup}* values decreased monotonically with storage time, the chroma (C{sup}*) remained unchanged, and a slight shift in h{sup}* was also detected in all batches of cherries. Acceptability was higher for cherries stored in CA because this variety is much more tolerant to carbon dioxide than early season cultivars. The commercial period of Sweetheart cherry can be extended by (at least) three weeks by using CA storage without any detrimental effects on quality.
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