Extending Storage Potential of De-hulled Fresh Pistachios in Passive-Modified Atmosphere.

BACKGROUND: The effects of passive-modified atmosphere packaging (passive-MAP) on the postharvest quality of de-hulled fresh pistachios (Pistacia vera L. cv. Kerman) stored at cold temperature (0 ± 0.5 °C) and 90 ± 1% R.H. was investigated with fruits under ambient air condition as the control treatment. The fruit quality parameters measured included kernel firmness, color values (L* , a* , b* , h°, and C* ), weight loss, fungal decay and marketability, ethylene production, respiration rate, and sensory characteristics at 0, 30, 60 and 105 days of storage. The CO2 and O2 concentrations in the package headspace were monitored during storage.

RESULTS: A modified atmosphere of 0.95%-3.35% O2 and 23.17%-29.82% CO2 was achieved in the passive-MAP treatment. Fruit respiration rates increased significantly relative to controls throughout storage, (P ≤ 0.01). However, storage had no significant effect on ethylene production rates. Additionally, passive-MAP stored fruits maintained firmness, shell lightness, kernel color and sensory quality with minimum weight loss and fungal decay, compared to the control.

CONCLUSION: These results demonstrate storage life of fresh pistachios in passive-MAP can be extended up to 105 days, compared to 30 days in ambient conditions. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.