Application of modified atmosphere packaging using silicone membrane system for shelf life extension of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) and its effect on physico-chemical properties

Abstract

Abstract Objectives The study was conducted to prolong the shelf life of freshly harvested pomegranate fruits and to find out its physiochemical properties during storage. Materials and Methods Pomegranate fruits of variety ‘Bhagawa’ were stored in 200, 300 gauge high-density polyethylene (HDPE) package, and silicone membrane modified atmospheric storage system at ambient conditions and 10°C. Gas composition inside the package, texture, color, and overall quality parameters were evaluated at these two storage temperatures. The physico-chemical properties such as total soluble solids, titratable acidity, ascorbic acid content, total, reducing, and non-reducing sugars, and physiological loss in weight (PLW) were also determined. Results In ambient storage, the shelf life of pomegranate fruit was 10 days, whereas in modified atmosphere packaging (200 gauge HDPE, 300 gauge HDPE, and silicone membrane system), the shelf life of pomegranate fruits was extended up to 60, 60, 25 days at ambient and 96, 96, 65 days at 10°C temperature, respectively. Conclusions Among the 200, 300 gauge HDPE package, and silicone membrane system treatments T1, T5, and T8, respectively, were found better with respect to all the sensory and quality parameters studied.