Maintaining Fruit Quality and Nutritional Value of Star Ruby Grapefruit by Utilizing Modified Atmosphere Packaging during Prolonged Storage, Poster Board #009

Modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) is a commercial technique used to extend the shelf life of fruits by the application of low O₂, high CO₂, and high humidity. Low O₂ and high CO₂ conditions normally slow down the metabolic activity in fruits, which helps to maintain fruit quality and reduce postharvest disorders. However, effect of MAP on the levels of bioactive compounds present in Star Ruby grapefruit is unknown. In the present study, effect of two commercial MAP plastic bags viz. micro-perforated (MI) Xtend^Ò  plastic bags (modified atmosphere and humidity) and macro-perforated (MA) Xtend^Ò plastic bags (modified humidity) on the bioactive compounds present in Star Ruby grapefruit were evaluated. Grapefruits were stored for 16 weeks at 10 °C. Fruits were collected at an interval of 4 weeks; juice samples were prepared by blending 3 peeled whole fruits and analyzed for carotenoids, limonoids, flavonoids and furocoumarins along with fruit quality parameters. β-carotene was highest in control fruits followed by fruits stored in MI bags and was lowest in fruits stored in MA bags. Lycopene was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in control fruits, with no significant difference observed between MAP treatments. Furocoumarins namely 6, 7 – dihydroxybergamottin and 5-geranyloxy-7-methoxycoumarin were lower in fruits stored in MA bags; while no significant difference was observed between control fruits and fruits stored in MI bags. Flavonoids were higher in fruits stored in MA bags; with no significant difference between control and fruits stored MI bags. The examined MAP treatments had no significant effect on limonoids and fruit quality parameters including total soluble solids, acidity, ripening ratio, weight loss, decay, fruit taste and off- flavors. Overall, MAP helped to retain fruit quality and bioactive compounds in Star Ruby grapefruit and can be utilized during prolonged storage. This research was supported by Research Grant Award No. 8056 from the Texas Department of Agriculture, Texas Israel Exchange and the United States–Israel Binational Agricultural Research and Development Fund.