Effect of Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) on the Quality of Sea Buckthorn Berry Fruits during Postharvest Storage

Abstract

AbstractThe effect of modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) on the quality of the berry fruits of sea buckthorn (SBT) during refrigerated storage was investigated. SBT berries were packaged in 160 and 525 oxygen transmission rate (OTR) films or in vented clamshell containers (air control) and stored at 10C for 10 days. Changes in the quality of the berries were determined by the evaluation of their headspace composition, moisture content, dry weight, pH level, color, total soluble solids, texture and antioxidant activity. The results indicated that the 160 OTR film presented good competency to maintain a proper atmosphere for storage. Both the 160 and 525 OTR films showed better capability for retaining the firm and springy texture of the berries, as well as their weight. The total soluble solids of 160 OTR packed fruits remained a stable value. The pH of SBT berries packed in different films and control samples increased in general during storage compared with the initial pH of fruits. The antioxidant activity of the berries was higher in MAP samples, especially those in the 160 OTR packages.Practical ApplicationsThis is the first study on the storage characteristics of berry fruit of sea buckthorn (SBT) under modified atmosphere packaging conditions. Film of 160 oxygen transmission rate (OTR) effectively maintained the initial quality parameters and antioxidant activity of berries by slowing down the respiration intensity. It may be because 160 OTR provided excellent CO2/O2 exchange performance to supply a desired gaseous environment of berry fruit. Thus, 160 OTR could be used as a potential packaging film for SBT berry on maintaining fruit quality and antioxidant activity. Furthermore, 160 OTR to different food systems of vegetables, mushrooms and juicy fruits can greatly maintain the nutritional value, product quality and fresh supply. The results of the present study can also serve as an assistive technology combined with other preservation techniques such as ice temperature, controlled atmosphere storage and so on to achieve desirable storage performance.