Evaluation of quality parameters of strawberry fruits in modified atmosphere packaging during storage

The objective of the present study is to evaluate the effect of modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) during storage on some quality parameters of strawberries. Strawberries (cv. Camarosa) were harvested when mature, forced air cooled and divided into two groups as fruits in MAP and control. After packaging, fruits were stored at 0°C, 90 - 95% RH for 10 days plus 1 day at 20°C and 50 - 55% RH for the evaluation of shelf life. Changes in fruit quality, mass loss, decay, color, firmness, total soluble solids (TSS), acidity, glucose, fructose, saccharose and color were investigated. The mass loss and decay were lower in MAP than observed in the control whereas firmness, TSS, acidity and color did not change during storage and shelf life. The results suggested that MAP can be beneficial for reducing mass loss and decay after 10 days storage plus one day shelf life under these conditions in Camarosa strawberry variety.