MODIFIED ATMOSPHERE EXTENDS STORAGE PERIOD AND MAINTAINS QUALITY OF ´BARHI´ DATE FRUITS

Abstract

Mature yellow 'Barhi' date fruits (Phoenix dactylifera) were stored under modified atmosphere (MA) conditions at cold storage (0°C). Fruits were exposed to three carbon dioxide concentrations (5, 10, or 20%). The control fruits were stored at cold storage (0°C) under the common air components conditions (0.03% CO 2 ). Fruits storage ability, as well as changes in fruit quality during the storage period were studied. MA conditions improved significantly fruit storage ability, and maintained fruit quality. Fruits stored under 20% CO 2 showed significantly longer storage period (lasted for 182 days) than all other treatments (i.e. 5 and 10% CO 2 which lasted for 119 days) and the control (lasted for 49 days). At the end of the experiment, MA treatment with 20% CO 2 maintained fruit soluble solid content %, and total tannins. In addition, CO 2 treatment retarded significantly the degradation of caffeoylshikimic acid, which is one of the major phenolic compound of date fruits. This study indicated that 'Barhi' date fruits could be stored successfully under modified atmosphere conditions in cold storage (at 0°C) to achieve the longest possible storage period (371.4% more than the control) with the best fruit color and firmness, and most proper eating quality, which ultimately improves market ability.