Effect of short-term controlled atmospheres on the postharvest quality and sensory shelf life of red raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.)

Marketing of raspberries is limited by their short postharvest life under refrigerated storage (<14 days). Short-term controlled atmospheres have been found to be effective in increasing the storage life of different crops and providing a more sustainable alternative to maintain postharvest quality compared to a continuous controlled atmosphere (CA). In this work, the effect of short-term CA treatments: early (15% CO2, 10% O-2 for 3 days + air for 11 days) and intermediate (3 days in air +3 days 15% CO2, 10% O-2 + 8 days in air) versus continuous CA on the postharvest quality of red raspberry cv. "Adelita" was evaluated. Short-term CA treatments significantly reduced weight loss during the first 6 days of storage. Early CA fruit showed longer sensory shelf life (SSL) values, and improved color parameters during storage compared to control.