Influence of storage temperature and different packaging on the physicochemical quality of fresh-cut ‘Perola’ pineapple

Abstract

This study evaluated the effects of storage temperature and different packaging on the physicochemical aspects of fresh-cut pineapple cv. ‘Perola’. Fruits were selected, washed and sanitized, and then stored for 12 h at 10 ºC. At 12 ºC, the fruits were peeled and cut into 1.5-2-cm thick semicircle-shaped slices. Cut pieces were rinsed, drained and packed either into polyethylene terephthalate (PET) packaging or on Styrofoam trays wrapped in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) film and stored at 4 or 8 ºC at 90% of relative humidity. During storage, they were evaluated for color values (lightness, hue angle and chroma), texture, appearance, weight loss, titratable acidity (TA), soluble solids content (SS), SS/TA ratio, pH, vitamin C and soluble sugars. According to the physicochemical results, the fresh-cut pineapple cv. ‘Perola’ maintained better quality for consumption and sale at 4 ºC, with a fresh product quality up to nine days. Storage on a Styrofoam tray wrapped in PVC film led to greater weight loss, but better appearance, additionally showed good maintenance of the physicochemical parameters of the fruit during the storage period.