Effects of modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) and Aloe vera treatments on quality characteristics of cornelian cherry fruits during cold storage

Abstract

This study was carried out to determine the effects of MAP and Aloe vera (AV) treatments on quality characteristics of cornelian cherry ( Cornus mas L. ) during cold storage. In the study, control, MAP-1, MAP-2 and AV were determined as treatments. Fruit was stored at 0±0.5° C and 90±5% relative humidity. The measurements and analyses were performed on 7, 14 and 21 st day. During the cold storage, weight losses were significantly retarded with AV and MAP treatments. Higher firmness was measured from MAP and AV-treated fruits as compared to the control. Lower L* and hue angle values in MAP and AV treatments were measured than the control, whereas a higher chroma value was determined. At the end of cold storage, the lowest and the highest respiration rate respectively was obtained from MAP-1 and AV treatments. Also, higher soluble solids content (SSC), titratable acidity (except for MAP-2) and vitamin C were obtained from AV and MAP treatments than the control. As a result, it revealed that AV and MAP treatments could be used as a tool to maintain quality of cornelian cherry fruits during cold storage.