Effect of active: Modified atmosphere packaging material on biochemical and microbial characteristics of pomegranate arils during storage

Abstract

Minimally processed pomegranate rapidly loses its overall quality because of high water loss and microbial contamination. Pomegranate arils cv. Bhagwa were packed in (Poly propylene, low density poly ethylene and Xtend bags) with different water and gas transmission rate on minimally processed ‘Bhagwa’ pomegranate arils stored at 5 ± 2oC and 85 ± 5 % RH for 18 days. During course of storage, phytochemical and antioxidant properties of minimally processed arils were determined at 3 days interval. The results indicated that packaging material influenced ascorbic acid, phenols, anthocyanins, antioxidant and sensory score of minimally processed arils. Arils packed in Xtend bags retained better total phenols, anthocyanins, total phenols, ascorbic acid and antioxidant compared to LDPE and PP packed arils. Among tested packaging materials, Xtend film maintained better quality characteristics of minimally processed arils up to 18 days storage period.