Effects of Carbon Dioxide Treatment and Modified Atmosphere Packaging on the Quality of Long Distance Transporting “Maehyang” Strawberry

Abstract

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of carbon dioxide (CO2) and modified atmosphere (MA) packaging on the quality of strawberry during long distance transportation. “Maehyang” strawberries (Fragaria x ananassa Duch.) with red color on 70% of the fruit surface were harvested in Gyeongnam province, Korea. The samples were placed in gas-tight chamber with 30% CO2 concentration for 3 hours at 3°C. Strawberry samples were then packaged with modified atmosphere-modified humidity (MA/MH) packaging film. Samples treated with CO2 alone and combined CO2 with MA packaging were stored for one day at 1°C, transported for 10 days at 1°C, and distributed for 3 days at 4°C. Carbon dioxide alone or combination with MA packaging was effective in maintaining quality of “Maehyang” strawberries. Carbon dioxide treatment significantly increased firmness and reduced softening index and decay rate during 14 day transportation and distribution. Samples treated with CO2 + MA had higher overall score with low softening index and weight loss after 14 days of transportation and low temperature distribution compared to CO2 treatment only. The results indicated that a short term application of CO2 or combination treatment of CO2 and MA could be good postharvest handling for maintaining freshness of “Maehyang” strawberries during long distance vessel export.