Abstract
This article studies different factors affecting the deterioration of date fruits at a fixed storage temperature. Effects of date cultivar, texture and treatment on shelf life were studied using an experimental design approach, and the use and contribution of generalised linear models (GLM) in the analysis of the experimental results are described. A model predicting the storage life of dates is suggested and validated. The specified GLM predicted well the shelf life of dates (R 1⁄4 98%). Accelerated storage tests used to predict shelf life were carried out at three temperatures (20, 30 and 408C) to bring about and expedite the deterioration of the dates and, thus, assess their shelf life. It was found that the shelf life of the semi-dry Aligh date cultivar could reach 66.23 days at 308C by means of drying and addition of preservatives. The described model could be used to find the optimal treatment for a given dates’ cultivar and texture. It also gives practitioners accurate tools to predict dates’ shelf life during shipping and distribution phases. Drawbacks of using standard linear models instead of GLMs are also discussed.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
