Effect of modified atmosphere packaging on the extension of storage life and quality maintenance of pomegranate (cv. ‘Bhagwa’) at ambient and low temperatures

Pomegranates (cv. ‘Bhagwa’) packed in four semi-permeable films (Cryovac ® BDF-2001, D-955, RD-106 and normal LDPE) were stored at ambient temperature (25–30 °C, 60–70% RH) and low temperature (8 °C, 80–85% RH) to study the effect of modified atmosphere (MA) packaging on storage life extension and quality maintenance. O 2 and CO 2 levels generated inside MA packs differed significantly with the film type wherein extremely high CO 2 (> 70%) and low O 2 (1% or less) were observed in BDF film during 3 weeks at ambient temperature and 3 months at 8 °C. Moderate O 2 (3–8%) and CO 2 (7–11%) were maintained in D-955 film, whereas very high O 2 (18–20%) and low CO 2 (2–4%) were maintained in RD-906 film. Significantly low weight loss of 0.73 and 0.52% was observed in MA packed (D-955) fruits after 3 weeks at ambient and 3 months at 8 °C respectively compared to 19.0 and 17.8% in non-packed fruits. Fruits packed in D-955 film also retained original peel colour (L*, h° and C*), whereas colour was adversely affected in fruits packed in low permeable BDF film. MA packaging maintained peel thickness and peel moisture, significantly higher than non-packed fruits at both temperatures. TSS, acidity, sugars, antioxidants and sensory qualities were better in D-955 and LDPE packed fruits at both ambient and 8 °C storage, whereas quality was adversely affected in BDF film packed fruits. MA packed (D-955 and LDPE) fruits had less spoilage up to 3 weeks at ambient (5.5 and 8.3%) and 3 months at 8 °C (2.8 and 9.7%). Quality got deteriorated by 4 weeks at ambient temperature and 4 months at 8 °C with enhanced spoilage. Pomegranate fruits cv. ‘Bhagwa’ can thus be stored safely for 3 weeks at ambient and 3 months at 8 °C storage by MA packaging in D-955 or LDPE film with least weight loss and maintenance of nutritional quality.