Behavior of “tomatillo” husk tomato fruit ( Physalis ixocarpa Brot.) with and without calyx in a modified atmosphere

The behavior of untouched (with calyx) and removed husk (without calyx) “tomatillo” husk tomato fruit (Physalis ixocarpa Brot.) was evaluated in postharvest, for four weeks, at 20 °C, in modified atmosphere technology (MAP), with plastic films brands Bol Rol® (BR; 25 cm × 38 cm, 16.8 mm thick) and Ziploc® (ZP; 27 cm × 28 cm, 52.2 mm thick). The removal of calyx caused a reduction in the rate of O2 consumption, loss of water and loss of firmness; for that reason, the removal of husk was considered to be a beneficial practice. There was no significant effect in the total soluble solids contents, nor the acidity, sugars or color attributes, which was also considered to be beneficial since the parameters that define the quality of the fruit were not altered. By using plastic bags, the O2 concentration was reduced and the CO2 concentration increased in the fruit environment. The Ziploc® bags allowed higher values of firmness; thus, they were considered better than the Bol Rol® ones to implement MAP. The removal husk reduced the risk of fermentative metabolism and for a 20 °C condition it is recommended handling tomatillo, husk tomato with removed husk for 13 days in modified atmosphere.