Abstract: In order to extend the storage period and maintain the quality of pomegranate during subsequent shelf life, the effects of cold ((7.0 ± 0.5) ℃) controlled atmosphere storage with different gas combinations: 2% O2 + 8% CO2, 4% O2 + 7% CO2 and 5% O2 + 6% CO2 on the quality of ‘Tunisia’ soft seed pomegranate during subsequent shelf life at (20.0 ± 0.5) ℃ were investigated. The results showed that the cold controlled atmosphere storage could effectively inhibit the occurrence of scald husk and mass loss during subsequent shelf life in comparison with ordinary refrigeration (control). The controlled atmosphere storage also increased soluble solids/titratable acid ratio in the edible aril and improved the flavor of pomegranate. On the fourth day of shelf life, the total phenolics content of pomegranate peel stored in each modified atmosphere was lower than that of the control, while the anthocyanins content and polyphenol oxidase activity were increased to different degrees. The lower the oxygen/carbon dioxide ratio, the higher contents of anthocyanins and total phenols, and the antioxidant activity of pomegranate arils. Among these combinations, pomegranate arils stored in 2% O2 + 8% CO2 had highest total phenolics content and antioxidant activity, the lowest husk scald degree and mass loss percentage at 4 days of shelf life, so that this combination was the optimal one.

Key words: pomegranate, cold controlled atmosphere storage, shelf life, quality, antioxidant capacity