Bioactive compounds and quality attributes of pomegranate arils (Punica granatum L.) processed after long-term storage

•Packaging maintained quality attributes of pomegranate arils.owas affected by headspace-volume-to-mass ratio of packaged arils.•Bioactive component varied significantly amongst the cultivars investigated.•Long-term storage had significant impact on shelf life of packaged arils.

This study investigated the effects of packaging on physicochemical properties, bioactive components (anthocyanins, ascorbic acid and β-carotene) and shelf life of pomegranate arils (cvs. Arakta, Bahgwa and Ruby) obtained from fruit stored for a long-term (between 10 and 14 weeks). Headspace-volume-to-mass ratio of packaged arils had a significant impact on gas composition inside the packages, O2 concentrations was not below the critical limit (2%). Arils weight loss did not exceed 0.2%, while juice leakage ranged from 0.17 to 4.17 mL 100 g−1 across all treatments. Physicochemical parameters were not significantly affected by packaging. However, there were significant differences in bioactive component amongst the cultivars, with cv. Bahgwa having the highest level of anthocyanin (112.50 mg L−1) and β-carotene (6.20 mg  L−1). Based on visual quality and development of off-odour, shelf life of pomegranate arils was limited to day 7 for ‘Arakta’ and ‘Bahgwa’, and 5 d for ‘Ruby’. This study provides a useful guide for postharvest handling and storage of packaged pomegranate arils.