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%).