Development of pallet-scale modified atmosphere packaging for ‘Tabor’tomatoes

Abstract

This study was carried out to investigate the effect of modified-atmosphere packaging (MAP) on the quality change of "Tabor" tomatoes during long-term exportation periods. Hydroponics tomatoes were harvested at the turning stage, sorted, and box packed and then packaged in nylon film with a pallet. The packaged pallet was filled with a gas composition (5% O 2 , 1% CO 2 , and 94% N 2 ) and stored at 10℃ for three weeks. The quality changes in weight loss, firmness, color, acidity, soluble solids, and microorganism growth were measured every 7 day interval. During the initial storage, the pallet-scale MAP showed slightly higher weight loss and firmness changes when compared to the conventional pallet. The total color change (ΔE) during ripening was delayed 10% under MAP storage. Acidity, soluble solids and phenolic compound contents decreased with increases in storage time regardless of the storage method; however, the quality changes of tomatoes were delayed in the MAP pallet. Furthermore, the decay rate of the pallet-scale MAP stored for 14 days was less than that of the conventional pallet, and the number of microorganisms was approximately 30% lower in the pallet-scale MAP, showing a positive effect on marketability. These results suggested that the pallet-scale MAP of tomatoes could ensure higher quality and longer storage periods than conventional pallet storage.