In-package atmospheric pressure cold plasma treatment of cherry tomatoes

•Cold plasma treatment of cherry tomatoes inside sealed packages.•Emission spectroscopy of the plasma source.•Effect on quality parameters – respiration rate, pH, firmness, and weight loss.•Cold plasma could serve as a promising alternative to conventional processing.

Cold plasma is increasingly under research for decontamination of foods, especially fresh fruits and vegetables. The effect of cold plasma on food quality, however, remains under researched. This study investigates the effects of cold plasma generated within a sealed package from a dielectric barrier discharge on the physical quality parameters and respiration rates of cherry tomatoes. Respiration rates and weight loss were monitored continuously, while other parameters are reported at the end of storage period. Differences among weight loss, pH and firmness for control and treated cherry tomatoes were insignificant towards the end of storage life. Changes in respiration rates and colour of tomatoes were recorded as a function of treatment, which were not drastic. The results implicate that cold plasma could be employed as a means for decontamination of cherry tomatoes while retaining product quality.