Physical and chemical changes in peaches and nectarines during the modified atmosphere storage

Peach ("Flavorcrest" and "Red Top") and nectarine ("Fantasia" and "Fairlane") cultivars were stored in modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) by using 30 mum PP (polypropylene) and 45 mum PE (polyethylene) plastic bags at 0 degreesC temperature and 90% relative. humidity in the same conditions in three different years. The peaches and nectarines were subjected to fungicide and intermittent warming. Physical and chemical changes [weight loss, respiration rate, fruit flesh firmness, total soluble solids, titratable acidity, overall appearance, taste and product decay index] were recorded on 0, 15th, 30th, 45th and 55th day of storage. PP gave the best result for MAP of peaches while PE gave the best result for MAP of nectarines. Peach "Flavorcrest" and nectarine "Fantasia" could be stored for 30-45 days using PP and PE, respectively. Peach "Red Top" and nectarine "Fairlane" stored successfully for up to 45 days using the same cover materials. Peach and nectarine cultivars had a shelf life of 10 days after these storage periods. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.