Effect of modified atmosphere on the storage life and quality of Eksotika papaya

M. Y. Rohani, M. Z. Zaipun and M. Norhayati

Abstract

Storage in modified atmosphere at 10 °C extended the storage life of Eksotika papaya. The packaging technique and composition of gases in the storage environment played important roles during storage. Bulk packaging (9–10 fruit/ pack) containing CO2 and O2 at 5% and 4% respectively helped to extend the storage life up to 3–4 weeks. The storage life was extended to about 5–6 weeks when the fruit were wrapped individually with gas composition in the environment containing 4% CO2 and 8% O2. The use of ethylene absorbent during storage was also effective in reducing the ethylene gas content and thus the ripening process was retarded. With these conditions, the freshness of the fruit was maintained during storage without significant changes in the skin colour and fruit quality. Fruit ripened normally within 3–4 days when transferred to ambient temperature. The skin changed to yellow, and the pulp quality was still good and acceptable.

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