Influence of modified atmosphere packaging on shelf-life of green chillies (Capsicum annuum L.)

• The postharvest quality of green chillies was evaluated using the passive modified atmosphere packaging technique.
• Four types of films were used to study their effectiveness on the postharvest shelf-life of green chillies.
• Anti-fog (RD45) film maintained the postharvest quality of green chillies during low temperature storage (8 ± 1 °C, RH 85–95%).
• A shelf life extension of 28 days was achieved for fresh green chillies using anti-fog (RD45) film.

The effect of passive modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) on postharvest shelf-life of green chillies was studied. Different types of polymeric packaging films such as microporous, low density polyethylene (PE-LD), polyolefin and anti-fog films were used for MAP of green chillies. The respiration rate of the chillies varied significantly (p < 0.05) among the control and modified atmosphere packed samples during storage at 8 ± 1 °C (RH 85–95%). The anti-fog film packed chillies showed low respiration rates (19 mg CO2 kg/h) by delaying the progress in senescence. The physico-chemical characteristics of modified atmosphere packed and control chillies also showed significant (p < 0.05) changes in terms of physiological loss in weight, firmness, skin colour and ascorbic acid content. An increase in total phenolic content was observed in chillies, whereas a decrease in total antioxidant activity and capsaicin content was observed with progress in senescence during storage at 8 ± 1 °C. The anti-fog film packed samples maintained pigment stability for a longer duration as compared to samples packed in other films. A shelf-life of 16, 18, 22 and 28 days was observed in chillies packed in microporous, PE-LD, polyolefin and anti-fog films, respectively, as compared to 15 days in the case of control samples. Anti-fog (RD45) film was effective to maintain postharvest quality of green chillies during low temperature storage (8 ± 1 °C, RH 85–95%).