Effect of low-dose gamma radiation and active equilibrium modified atmosphere packaging on shelf life extension of fresh strawberry fruits

• Irradiation and EMAP1 increased the postharvest life of strawberries to 14 days.
• Firmness decreased during storage of strawberry samples in EMAP and air packed.
• The irradiated samples were not attacked by mold during 7 days.
• Strawberries under EMAP1 had better appearance and texture than other samples.

The effect of low-dose gamma irradiation (1 kGy) and active equilibrium modified atmosphere packaging (EMAP1: CO2 10%: O2 5%; N2 85% and EMAP2: CO2 5%: O2 10%; N2 85%) on quality of strawberry fruits stored at 4 °C was investigated. Several quality parameters were monitored during the storage period. Fruit firmness, fungal decay and sensory evaluation were analyzed on days 1, 7, 14 and 21. Strawberries kept in active EMAP1 maintained their texture and appearance better than those packaged under air and EMAP2. Strawberries stored in active EMAP were firmer than those stored in air during the storage time (21 days). The irradiated strawberry samples were not attacked by Botrytis cinerea during 7 days. Irradiation and EMAP1 increased the postharvest life of strawberries to 14 days, without any attack of fungus or any change in their external appearance. Low-dose gamma irradiation in combination with EMAP will enable food processors to deliver larger amounts of high quality strawberry with extended shelf life.

Effect of active EMAP and irradiation on development of Botrytis fruit rot in Kurdistan strawberry fruits stored for 21 days at 4 °C.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide