Effect of modified atmosphere packaging on physical, bio-chemical and functional properties of Jamun (Syzygium cumini) during storage

Abstract

Modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) of jamun (Syzygium cumini) was studied in macro-perforated (4, 8 and 12 perforations, 0.03 mm dia. each) polypropylene (PP) film (thickness: 50 μm, dimension: 30x10 cm) and extended polystyrene trays with cling package (thickness: 20-micron, width: 20 cm) at different storage conditions i.e., cold storage at temperature 1-3°C, 90% RH, refrigerated storage at 8-10ºC, 80-85% RH and ambient temperature 25-28ºC, 70-80% RH. Changes in different physical, biochemical parameters i.e., headspace gas composition %O2 & CO2, physiological weight loss %, colour, anthocyanin content, ascorbic acid content, total soluble solids and titratable acidity were determined at every 7 days intervals up to 30 days. The headspace gas concentration in 4 perforations PP at refrigerated storage (8-10ºC, 80-85% RH) was observed to be: CO2 = 4.55% and O2 = 17.45%, whereas, CO2 = 2.7% and O2 = 16.67% in case of cold storage after 30 days storage. Physiological weight loss of samples was minimum and the purplish-blue colour, ascorbic acid content, was retained maximum in 4 perforations PP cold storage samples. Anthocyanin content was retained maximum (92.8%) in 8 perforations cold storage sample. Total microbial load was minimum (1.39x104 cfu/g) in case of 4P PP samples in cold storage. Sensory analysis of MAP of jamun suggested that the overall acceptability score > 7.08±0.16 were obtained, in terms of taste and colour and found suitable for consumption even after 30 days of storage.