Evaluation of the Effect of Modified Atmospheric Packaging on the Shelf Life and Keeping Quality of Raspberry Using RSM

Raspberry has been considered a good source of some micro and macro nutrients namly (anthocyanins, polyphenol, ascorbic acid, fiber, proteins and minerals). Due to high metabolic activity and susceptibility to fungal decay and especially gray mold, it is one of the most perishable fruits and has a short shelf life. The use of modified atmospheric packaging increases the shelf life of the fruits like raspberries and therefore the commercial value of the fruit is increased. In this study the RSM design is used to assess the effects of three variables; CO2/O2 (three levels; zero, one and two v/v), time (0, 5 and 10 days) and perchlorine concentration (0, 250, 500ppm) on raspberry weight loss, acidity, texture and microbial load. Rasberry fruits were packed in the two layer plastic packaging made of polyamide with thickness of 50 microns and stored at 4˚C The results showed that the time, perchlorine concentration and CO2/O2 ratio had significant effects on the qualitative properties of raspberry fruit and its shelf life. Increases in perchlorine concentration and CO2/O2 ratio had positive effects on keeping quality of the fruit. The application of modified atmospheric packaging can improve the qualitative characteristic of raspberry fruit.