Abstract:

This study aimed to investigate the influence of modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) with different materials
on the quality of passion fruit during storage. ‘Zixiang No.1’ passion fruits were packaged in two different types of
packaging, namely active packaging with active bags and ordinary packaging with polyethene bags. Subsequently, the two
packaging treatments were sealed and stored at (25±1) ℃ and 70%–80% relative humidity. The unpackaged fruits with
the same maturity stored under the same conditions served as controls. During storage, weight loss, soluble solids content
and titratable acidity, peel L*, a*, and b* value, peel defect index and storage life were monitored until the end of storage.
Compared to controls, both MAPs slowed down the rate of weight loss and the changes in peel defect index and other
physicochemical indexes associated with passion fruit ripening and hence prolonged the shelf life of passion fruit by at
least 6 days. On the other hand, the active packaging was better than the ordinary one in maintaining the postharvest quality
attributes of passion fruit and therefore extending its shelf life.

Key words: passion fruit, modified atmosphere packaging, physicochemical properties, shelf life