Evaluation of parameters affecting modified atmosphere packaging engineering design for pomegranate arils

This study evaluated the effects of passive modified atmosphere packaging design parameters as a function of the amount of product (g), temperature (degrees C) and time (days) on two pomegranate cultivars. Arils (75, 100 and 125g) were packed in trays, heat sealed with polylid film and stored at 5, 10 and 15 degrees C for 14days, and analysed for physicochemical parameters viz headspace gas composition, weight loss, total soluble solids, titratable acidity, pH, anthocyanin, aerobic-mesophilic bacterial and fungal load (logCFUg(-1)). At the highest temperature and weight, O-2 concentration continuously decreased below the critical limit (2%) after 4days, while at 5 degrees C, this lower limit was not reached. Shelf life of arils was limited to 10, 7 and 3days by fungal growth 2logCFUg(-1) at 5, 10 and 15 degrees C, respectively. Using unsteady-state equation, a good agreement was found between simulated and experimental gas composition data