Improvement of package and transportation of fresh tomatoes

Abstract

This work was done to make good use of polyethylene wrapping into the packing styles of tomatoes, for the purpose of extending shelf-life of fresh fruit. And a simple method of wrapping tomatoes with polyethylene sheet without sealing was adopted so that tomato growers may easily carry out package of their products when shipping. The gaseous components in this wrapping package, and shelf-life of tomato fruit wrapped by this method were investigated, and transportation test was also carried out.1. The gaseous componts in this sheet-wrapping package changed by the respiration of tomatoes to the extent of that in hermetically sealed packaging, and it was found to be effective for the inhibition of color development and for extension of shelf-life of fresh fruitt.2. When this wrapping package of fruit was excessively ventilated (over 2-2.5m/s) by an electric fan, the gaseous components in the package did not change so much. Therefore, the effect of modified atmosphere by this wrapping was not expected.3. The effect of pre-cooling was observed distinctly as tomatoes were packed in insulated boxes. However, the effect of pre-cooling decreased by the ventilation in consequence of rapidrising of fruit temperature.4. The concentration of CO2 in the sheet-wrapping package was 6-7%, and O2 was 13-14% in this shipping test by railway and the effect of modified atmosphere was also observed.5. When a freight car was loaded with tomatoes in large quantities, even in a ventilation car, outside temperature had a little influence to fruit. In particular, the temperature of fruit packed with polyethylene sheet and kept at the center of a car did not change for a long time.