Role of maturity stages and modified-atmosphere packaging on the quality attributes of cornelian cherry fruits (Cornus mas L.) throughout shelf life.

BACKGROUND: A study was conducted to determine the effects of modified-atmosphere packaging (MAP) treatments on fruit quality attributes and bioactive compounds of cornelian cherry fruits (Cornus mas L.) harvested at two different maturity stages - maturity (M): M-1, skin red color <10%; M-2, skin red color >90% - throughout the shelf life. Fruits were stored at 0 ± 0.5 °C and 90 ± 5% relative humidity (RH) for 30 days, and then kept at 22 ± 0.5 °C and 80 ± 5% RH over 3 days for shelf life.

RESULTS: In the measurements performed at harvest, MS-2 fruits had significantly greater respiration rate, soluble solids content, acidity, anthocyanin, flavonoids, and phenolics and significantly lower ethylene productions, firmness, L* , chroma, and hue angle values than MS-1 fruits. In the last measurement period, MAP-treated fruits had significantly greater firmness, total flavonoids, and total phenolics and significantly lower respiration rates, ethylene productions, and decay rates than the untreated fruits. While color parameters of MS-2 fruits were significantly lower than the color values of MS-1 fruits, they had greater vitamin C and anthocyanin contents.

CONCLUSION: It was concluded that the cornelian cherry fruits harvested at MS-2 stage of maturity and preserved in MAP better maintained quality attributes throughout their shelf life. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.