Abstract: In this experiment, papayas were packed by 75.8μm PP compound film and stored at room temperature. This method can prevent loss of water, loss of VC and further loss of firmness and inhibit yellowing of papaya fruit. All detecting items for these samples were firmness, color, lose of water, VC, total soluble solids, pH and sensory assessment. The conclusions are: the balance gas concentrations of modified atmosphere packaging are O2 4.2%～4.9% and CO2 7.3%～7.9%. The optimum gas concentrations of modified atmosphere packaging are 3% O2, 9% CO2 and 88% N2. With modified atmosphere packaging , papaya’s CO2 production rate is 0.2～0.4 ml/kg·h CO2 at room temperature.

Key words: papaya, modified atmosphere packaging, gas concentration, respiration rate, quality change