Storage behaviour of modified atmosphere packed date fruits stored under different conditions.

摘要

Fruits of date palm (Phoenix dactylifera) cultivar 'Shamran' at colour turning stage of maturity were packed and stored at ambient (35 degrees C, ~70% RH) and low temperature (LT) (~7 degrees C, ~85% RH) up to 15 days. Results indicated that physiological loss in weight, spoilage and total soluble solids and total sugars of fruits enhanced during storage. Consequently ascorbic acid content and sensory quality score of fruits decreased. Negligible spoilage was recorded in fruits stored under refrigerated conditions and remained acceptable up to end of refrigerated storage and was superior over fruits stored at ambient conditions. Similarly, the shelf-life and quality of fruits packed in sealed and 2.5% perforated polythene bags with KMnO₄ treatment were significantly higher than those of control fruits. Minimum physiological loss in weight (5.2%), spoilage (4.1%), total soluble solids (43.6%) and total sugars (41.3%) with highest ascorbic acid (108.3 mg/100 g pulp) content and sensory score (6.7 out of 10) were recorded on 15th day of storage in fruits treated with 5% KMnO₄ packed in sealed polythene bags and stored under refrigerated conditions.