Effect of packaging materials on the shelf-life of strawberry cv. Sweet Charlie under room temperature storage

Abstract

Strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) fruits cv. Sweet Charlie were harvested at the 3/4th maturity stage. Freshly harvested fruits were packed in plastic punnets and wrapped with different packaging materials viz., low-density polyethylene (LDPE) 25, 50 and 75 micron, polypropylene (PP) 25 micron, cellophane paper and cling film. Effect of all the packaging materials was studied in ambient storage condition (18-25 ºC and 80-90% RH). The result showed that LDPE 50 micron packaging material proved as the most effective one to control the weight loss (5.49%) and all of the LDPE films along with the PP and cling films appeared best to minimize decay loss. MAP conditions help prevent the decaying of strawberry fruits up to a day. The total soluble solids (6.35% - 5.78%) and titratable acidity (0.91% - 0.70%) were found to be decreased with the prolongation of storage periods, but no significant variation was recorded for different packaging materials. A better level of ascorbic acid in strawberry fruits packed with LDPE 50 (31.56 mg/ 100g) and 75 micron (29.86 mg/ 100g) packaging films was retained. The organoleptic rating of strawberry fruits was found best in fruits packed with LDPE 50 micron (7.90) packaging films. In future, these experimental results may prove very useful for storage of strawberry fruits for a certain period in better quality.

Influence of macro‐perforated polyethylene terephthalate and low‐density polyethylene packaging films on quality and storability of strawberries

“…These changes in quality attributes demonstrate progression of senescence in strawberry tissues (Gil et al., 1997; Han et al., 2004; Nunes et al., 1995). In agreement with previous findings (Kirad et al., 2007; Panda et al., 2016), packaging of strawberries in LPDE film slowed these changes and delayed fruit senescence. It is plausible that LDPE film might have modified oxygen and carbon dioxide concentration inside the package favoring delay in advancement in fruit ripening‐related processes (Panda et al., 2017).…”

“…Our results showed significantly positive impact ( p ≤ .01) of LDPE‐packaging on retaining marketable fruit percentage compared to other packaging material used which was due to reduced moisture loss and decay incidence as compared to PET‐packed fruits (Figure 1b,c; Figure S1). Inhibition of microbial growth has mainly been attributed to nonconducive composition of oxygen and carbon dioxide maintained by LDPE inside the package (Panda et al., 2016, 2017; Se et al., 2017; Shrivastava et al., 2007). Thus, inhibition in microbial growth in LDPE‐strawberries was an important factor contributing to significant extension in storage life of strawberries.…”

“…Similarly, our study shows that LPDE packaging hindered decrease in ascorbic acid in strawberries which is in accordance with previous findings (Moor et al., 2012). Slow decline in ascorbic acid content during storage of LDPE‐packed strawberries may also be due to retarded enzymatic oxidation of ascorbic acid or ascorbinase‐mediated irreversible conversion of ascorbic acid to dehydroascorbic acid (Lee & Kader, 2000; Mishra & Kar, 2014; Panda et al., 2016).…”

“…After an active or passive transition phase, established gas equilibrium lowers respiration rate thereby delaying ripening‐associated changes which leads to increase in shelf life of produce including strawberries (Almenar et al., 2007; Belay et al., 2016; Koort et al., 2018; Mohebbi et al., 2015; Oliveira et al, 2015). In addition, modified atmosphere packaging vastly improves moisture retentions that also helps preserve fruit quality (Panda et al., 2016). Integration of modified atmosphere packaging with cold storage has shown 17% reduction in postharvest losses (Céline et al., 2020) and considerable extension in marketable life of strawberries (Beckett & Hua, 2001; Bhat et al., 2011; Cao et al., 2010; Matar et al., 2018; Panda et al., 2017; Sanz et al., 2002; Zhao et al., 2019).…”

Effects of modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) and natural edible coatings on con-trolling postharvest fungal infection, shelf life extension and quality retention of strawberry (Fragaria× ananassaDuch.)

“…Therefore, it is necessary to explore and utilize new techniques for maintaining postharvest quality of strawberry fruit. Modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) using different films and boxes can be one of the best and low cost technology to have a better shelf life with proper quality for a soft fruit like strawberry, making the product more attractive to the retail customer (Panda et al, 2016). Modified atmosphere means an atmosphere composition around the fruit that is different from that of normal air i.e., 78.08% N2, 20.95% O2 and 0.03% CO2 (Kader, 1992).…”