Effects of film permeability on reducing pericarp browning, preventing postharvest decay and extending shelf life of modified atmosphere-retail packaged longan fruits

This study was aimed at understanding the role of film permeability in modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) of longan fruits. Fruits were stored at 2 degrees C in polyethylene (PE) bags of different gas transmission rates (PE-3000, PE-6000 and PE-10000), compared to commercial polypropylene (PP; PP-1000). PE-3000 and PE-6000 maintained the longest shelf life of 46days. Fruits in the PE-10000 had the shelf life of 39days as limited by pericarp browning and decay. The shortest shelf life of 27days was observed in the PP-1000 due to fermentative metabolism under anaerobic condition. These retail ready packages can potentially be used as an alternative to or with reduction in SO2 fumigation for longan.