Modified atmosphere packaging of pomegranate

Spanish 'Mollar de Elche' sweet pomegranates (Punica granatum L.) were stored at 2 or 5 degreesC for 12 wk in unperforated polypropylene (UPP) film of 25 mum thickness in modified atmosphere packaging (MAP). Perforated polypropylene (PPP) film of 20 mum thickness and conventional cold storage were applied as control treatments. Quality was evaluated after storage and after shelf life of 6 d at 15 degreesC and 75% RH. PPP at 5 degreesC was the best treatment for maintaining red skin-color of the arils at the end of storage. All treatments suffered a decrease in total anthocyanins content at the end of shelf life. After shelf life, UPP fruits had higher values of absorbance at 510 and 446 nm. MAP strongly reduced water loss and chilling injuries without incidence of decay.