Effect of modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) and controlled atmosphere (CA) storage on the quality of snow pea pods (Pisum sativum L. var. saccharatum)

Abstract The effects of precooling, modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) and controlled atmosphere (CA) storage on the storability of snow pea pods ( Pisum sativum L. var. saccharatum ) at 5°C were determined. Bagging pods with polymethyl pentene polymeric films (PMP) of 25 and 35 μm thickness, in conjunction with precooling, modified the in-bag atmosphere concentration to approximately 5 kPa O 2 and 5 kPa CO 2 , leading to better maintenance of the pod external quality (appearance and color), as well as internal quality (chlorophyll, ascorbic acid, and sugar contents). Sensory scores were also maintained. Under CA storage at 5°C, gas compositions ranging from 5 to 10 kPa O 2 with 5 kPa CO 2 were the best storage conditions of those tested, since changes in organic acid, free amino acid and sugar contents, and pod sensory attributes were slight, corroborating the MAP results. The appearance of pods stored under CA conditions was much better than that of air-stored pods (control). Low O 2 (2.5 kPa with 5 kPa CO 2 ) and high CO 2 (10 kPa with 5 kPa O 2 ) concentrations have a detrimental effect on quality of stored pods since they developed slight off-flavors, but this effect is reversible since it was partially alleviated after ventilation.