76C-26 |
Long shelf life Banana storage using MAP storage coupled with postharvest MCP treatment |
R. M. BASEL1, K. Racicot2, and A. G. Senecal2. (1) Lebensmittel Consulting, 10760 W. Co. Rd. 18, Fostoria, OH 44830, (2) Food Directorate, US Army Natick RD&E Center, Kansas Street, Natick, MA 01760 Bananas are currently considered a short shelf life commodity. Extended storage of bananas can be accomplished when ripening is not induced by a large ethylene exposure. Development of an extended shelf life banana process should be possible by applying treatments such as Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) storage and 1-Methyl cyclopropene (MCP) to lower the rate of respiration and block ethylene receptor sites. The objective of this study was to optimize the shelf life of bananas by not triggering senescence through minimizing the application of exogenous ethylene and utilizing MAP and MCP to further slow-down the ripening process. L*a*b* color, texture, subjective quality, glucose, and refractive index (Brix) were measured as indices of ripeness and postharvest quality. Both MAP and MCP technologies were very effective in extending the normal shelf life of bananas up to 1 month longer than commercial practice. Ripening was delayed for the treated samples by not exposing the bananas to large concentrations of ethylene as is normally done. Once ripening was triggered, MAP storage conditions decreased respiration and extended ripening of the bananas up to at least 1 month. MCP increased the firmness of the banana flesh and allowed bananas to ripen without blotchy color development when removed from MAP storage one week prior to evaluation. Soaking the bananas in water after cutting is necessary to remove the latex and fermentable sugars to prevent mold development from the cut surface when using MAP storage. These techniques allowed bananas to be stored 2-4 times longer than normal depending upon what combinations of treatments are used. Careful implementation of these postharvest treatments could provide a continuous supply of ripened bananas for > 1 month when re-supply of fresh market bananas is logistically impossible.
Session 76C, Fruit & Vegetable Product: Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
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