Modified atmosphere packaging for minimally processed papaya (Carica papaya L.)

Abstract

Abstract This research aims to develop a mathematical model for respiration rate and gasses exchange in modified atmosphere packaging (MAP), and examine the effect of packaging materials of MAP on quality of minimally processed papaya. Minimally processed papaya of IPB 9 Calina variety was stored at 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 °C for respiration rate measurement. The MAP of the fruits were carried out using plastic films of polypropylene (PP), low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and polyethylene stretch-wrap (PE). The results showed that the respiration increased with increasing storage temperature. The relation between respiration and storage temperature was described using the Arrhenius equation with a coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.9189 for O2 consumption and 0.9881 for CO2 production. The packaging materials of LDPE and PE stretch-wrap provide a modified atmosphere effect in the package, while for polypropylene packaging did not reach steady conditions. The MAP using polyethylene stretch-wrap film was better in maintaining quality of the fruit. The MAP was designed with a product weight of 200 g, a packaging thickness of 20 μm and surface area of 0.0216 m2. The gas composition in the MAP was 7.2% O2 and 5.2% CO2 after 6 days of storage at 15 °C.