Postharvest storage of rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum L.) under passive modified atmosphere

Abstract

The rambutan is an exotic tropical fruit that presents high perishability after the harvest due to the intense metabolic activity and the high water content in its chemical composition that together with the darkening process of the pericarp compromise its acceptance by the consumer. In this context, the present research had the objective of evaluating the effect of the passive modified atmosphere with the evaluation of different packing packages aiming at prolonging the useful life of the fruits by the greater acceptance of the final consumer. The rambutans were packaged in polyethylene bags, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) trays, polystyrene styrofoam trays coated with 14 micron PVC plastic film and in cardboard boxes during storage at 10 ° C and 85% of RH for 16 days with analyzes performed at four-day intervals on the variables: loss of fresh mass, soluble solids, total soluble sugars, titratable acidity, pH, vitamin C and pericarp appearance. A DIC experimental design with 4x5 factorial was adopted with five replicates and the experimental plot formed by five fruits. The analysis of variance showed no significant effect of the package on the maintenance of fruit quality during storage days. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and styrofoam trays made of polystyrene coated with PVC film (BPE + PVC) favored a shelf life of up to 12 days by controlling the physico-chemical changes and the control of browning in the fruit pericarp. The use of the packaging (BPE + PVC) is more suitable for the packaging of the fruits because of the more affordable cost.