Novel packaging to maintain the quality characteristic and improve the shelf life of " ready to eat" pomegranate arils

Maturity period and consumption of fresh fruits such as pomegranate are relatively short. In addition, the consumption of pomegranates is not very widespread mainly due to the difficulty of extracting the arils. Hence, minimally processed pomegranate fruit (ready-to-eat arils), presents a more appealing product to consumers than whole fruit and increases the prospect of production and consumption of pomegranate. In recent years, minimally processed “ready-to-eat” pomegranate arils have become popular due to their convenience, high nutritional value, unique sensory characteristics. According to nutritional value of pomegranate, modified atmosphere packaging of minimally processed pomegranate arils offers innovative tool for optimal use of lower grade fruit with superficial peel defects such as cracks, splits, and sun burnt. Minimally processed fruit and vegetables are susceptible to increased deterioration in quality and microbial infestation due to increase in endogenous enzymatic processes and respiration rate. Modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) technology offers the possibility to retard product respiration rate and extend the shelf life of fresh product. Edible coatings also act as a barrier to gas and moisture migration and some of them such as chitosan, have antibacterial and antifungal properties. Incorporation of essential oils into edible coating also helps to improve it’s antimicrobial properties. Coating of pomegranate arils with Aloe vera gel and honey also maintain it’s quality.