Department of Agricultural Engineering and Food Technology Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agric. & Technology, Meerut (UP)
Online published on 8 August, 2012.
Evaluation of Modified Atmospheric Packaging (MAP) was done at different temperatures to determine its effectiveness in extending the shelf life of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L.). Harvesting of tomato fruits was done at yellowish orange state of ripeness. Then fruits were sorted, washed and treated with a solution of sodium hypochlorite (150 ppm chlorine). Packaging of fruits was done in BOPP (Bi-axially oriented polypropylene) and LDPE (Low density polyethylene), films with 50 micron thickness. To control moisture accumulation 5.0 g silica gel was packed in perforated packs and placed inside the packages. The MA packages and control samples were stored and held at low temperature cabinets set at 25°C (48% RH) and 30°C (45% RH). Evaluation of T.S.S., pH and T.A. (%) was done one day interval upto a month. MAP was also superior in delaying ripening of fruits. BOPP was found better in retaining T.A. %; T.S.S. and pH in the samples. Optimum storage temperature was found to be 25°C, BOPP packed samples had longest shelf life of 23 days.
MAP, BOPP, LDPE, shelf-life, quality
