Perforated Modified Atmosphere Packaging of Capsicum: Changes in Physico-chemical Properties

Abstract

Perforation is an alternative and economical way to achieve desired in-package gaseous concentration. The influence of modified atmosphere packaging of capsicum quality under perforated and non-perforated condition was investigated. Capsicums weighing 500 g were packaged in non-perforated and perforated packaged film of 45 µm thickness under 1, 2, and 4 numbers of 0.3 mm diameter holes, and stored at 5 at 5 oC. In package gaseous concentration, O2 concentration particularly did not go below 2%, while CO2 concentration ranged between 2-5% considered as safe in package concentration for capsicum. Weight loss was limited in perforated and non-perforated film. The acidity, ascorbic acid and firmness reduction was low during storage. Initial TSS of 4.2% increased to 5.27% in case of control sample. L* and hue angle decreased throughout the storage period, though the decrease in L* was small. Capsicum can thus be safely stored at 5 o C under non-perforated and with one-hole perforated packaged film for a period of 40 days with acceptable quality and sensory attributes.