Effects of modified atmosphere packaging conditions and ethylene absorber on the quality of red bell pepper

Abstract

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of active and passive modified atmosphere packaging along with ethylene absorber on physico-chemical quality of red bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L.). Low-density-polyethylene films for packaging and 5 g of KMnO4 pockets as ethylene absorber were used for storage of pepper under modified atmoshere packaging (MAP) conditions at 10 +/- 1 degrees C and 95 +/- 5 % relative humidity. The gas mixture (5 % 02 + 5 % CO2) was filled inside the bags for active MAP The bags for passive MAP were sealed in ambient atmosphere. The final O-2 levels were 8.6 % and 7.9 % in active packages, while 6.8 % and 2.2 % in passive packages with and without ethylene absorber, respectively. The levels of CO2 in all packages were at desired values. Weight loss was below 1 % in MAP samples, while it was 15.1 % in control samples. Both MAP versions maintained the physicochemical quality better than that of control samples. However, passive MAP was more effective on antioxidant content ( except for total phenolic and cysteine contents) and on antioxidant activity. In addition, ethylene absorbers showed positive effects on the bioactive content of pepper.