Effects of Aloe vera and Modified Atmosphere Packaging on the Quality and Biochemical Properties of Pear Fruit During Cold Storage

Abstract

The aim of the study was to determine the effect of Aloe vera (AV) and modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) applications on post-harvest fruit quality in ‘Ankara’ pear cultivar. Fruit treated with MAP, AV (33%) and MAP + AV were stored for 120 days at 1 °C and 90 ± 5% relative humidity. The quality analyses and measurements such as weight loss, decay rate, fruit firmness, soluble solids content (SSC), titratable acidity (TA), pH, total phenolic compounds, antioxidant capacity, organic acids and specific phenolic compounds were made on the 30th, 60th, 90th and 120th days of the cold storage. The losses in fruit firmness were less with MAP and MAP + AV applications, but these applications were found to significantly reduce weight loss and decay rate. It was determined that fruit color characteristics were maintained in all applications. With MAP and AV applications, the increase in SSC and the decrease in TA ratios were lower in fruit, so fruit ripening was delayed. However, the changes in the individual phenolics and organic acids content during cold storage were lower in fruit treated with MAP and AV. As a result of the study, it was concluded that MAP and AV applications on pear can be effectively used in delaying maturity and maintaining quality during cold storage.