Argon and high content of CO2: The future for fresh-cut apples packaged in MAP

S. Pardilla, M. Mor-Mur, L. F. Vega, S. Guri

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

5 Scopus citations

Abstract

The growing interest in recovering a healthy lifestyle based on fresh and healthy diet has led to the emergence of minimally processed or "ready to eat" products. Minimally processed products are more perishable than the fresh whole original product, because the processing operations (wash, peeled, cut, etc.) increase their respiration rate; therefore the rate of degradation also increases. Currently, refrigeration storage and Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) are the main technologies to prolong the shelf-life of minimally processed products. However, the food industry is constantly researching new applications to extend its shelf-life beyond 7 days. The objective of this study was to assess the effects of modified atmosphere containing high levels of carbon dioxide or argon, on the shelf-life of minimally processed apples compared to regular gas mixtures employed to preserve these kinds of products. Three different gas mixtures were studied 5% O2, 5% CO2, 90% Ar; 5% O2, 35% CO2, 60% N2, and 5% O2, 5% CO2, 90%N2. During 14 days a range of quality indexes were evaluated in fresh-cut apples: headspace, color, pH, texture, weight loss and microbial spoilage. The main results showed that apples packaged with Ar-containing mixture presented an increase of the browning index at the end of the storage time, compared with the other treatments. However, mixtures with argon and high carbon dioxide showed an inhibitor effect against mold growth.

Original languageBritish English
Title of host publicationXI International Controlled and Modified Atmosphere Research Conference
EditorsM.L. Amodio, G. Colelli
Pages731-738
Number of pages8
ISBN (Electronic)9789462610620
DOIs
StatePublished - 18 Feb 2015

Publication series

NameActa Horticulturae
Volume1071
ISSN (Print)0567-7572
ISSN (Electronic)2406-6168

Keywords

  • Browning index
  • Minimally processed fruits
  • Modified atmosphere packaging
  • Noble gases
  • Shelf-life

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