Resistance to airflow and cooling patterns through multi-scale packaging of table grapes

Postharvest handling of table grape is commonly carried out using multi-scale packages comprised of the main container, inner liner film and pouches holding individual bunch of berries. Total pressure drop through different table grapes packages systems were measured and the percentage contributions of each package component and the fruit bulk were determined. The liner films contributed significantly to total pressure drop for all package combinations, ranging from 40.33 ± 1.15% for micro-perforated liner film to 83.34 ± 2.13% for non-perforated liner film. The total pressure drop through the grape bulk (1.40 ± 0.01% to 9.41 ± 1.23%) was the least compared to the different packaging combinations with different levels of liner perforation.

► We characterize the resistance to airflow and heat transfer inside a multi-scale fruit packaging. ► We quantify the contribution of the different package components and fruit to the total pressure drop. ► Liner films contributed most significantly to total pressure drop through table grape package especially for non-perforated liners. ► Fruit cooling rates inside multi-scale packages with non-perforated liner were significantly slower.