Effect of short-term controlled atmospheres on the postharvest quality and sensory shelf life of red raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.)

Abstract

Marketing of raspberries is limited by their short postharvest life under refrigerated storage (<14 days). Short-term controlled atmospheres have been found to be effective in increasing the storage life of different crops and providing a more sustainable alternative to maintain postharvest quality compared to a continuous controlled atmosphere (CA). In this work, the effect of short-term CA treatments: early (15% CO2, 10% O2 for 3 days + air for 11 days) and intermediate (3 days in air +3 days 15% CO2, 10% O2 + 8 days in air) versus continuous CA on the postharvest quality of red raspberry cv. “Adelita” was evaluated. Short-term CA treatments significantly reduced weight loss during the first 6 days of storage. Early CA fruit showed longer sensory shelf life (SSL) values, and improved color parameters during storage compared to control.