Procedure to optimize modified atmosphere packaging for fruit

Introduction. The respiration of living plant tissues and the diffusion of gases through the packaging material modify the atmosphere composition in the fresh product pack- age. This modified atmosphere (MA) can be beneficial to the storage of fruit tissues, but, if the permeances of the films are not properly optimized, the MA may be inefficient or even detri- mental. To define the optimal permeances (or permeability) for O 2 , CO 2 and water vapor of the packaging film, the respiration rate of plant tissue must be measured as a function of tem- perature and atmosphere, and the O 2 and CO 2 concentrations that maximize shelf life must be determined. The best combination of packaging films, type and condition of fresh produce and storage temperature may be computed and verified experimentally. Materials and methods. The work presents methods for measurement of the respiration rate of plant tissue, then the influence of temperature and the influence of O 2 and CO 2 contents are studied. This makes it possible to determine the optimal O 2 and CO 2 concentrations and the optimal gas transmission rates of packaging material. Lastly, experiments regarding the simulation of mod- ified atmospheres are described. Conclusion. The methodology presented in our work pro- vides helpful information to meet the need of optimal fruit and vegetable packaging.