Abstract

LOYOLA LOPEZ, Nelson; BARRERA SALAS, Manuel  and  ACUNA CARRASCO, Carlos. EVALUATION OF THE USE OF MODIFIED ATMOSPHERE IN FRAGARIA CHILOENSIS L. WHITE ECOTYPE. Idesia [online]. 2008, vol.26, n.3, pp. 57-69. ISSN 0718-3429.  doi: 10.4067/S0718-34292008000300007.

The strawberry (Fragaria spp.) is the most common berry fruit consumed in the world, and in Chile two species are produced (Fragaria chiloensis L. and Fragaria ananassa L. Duch). Its main problem is the short shell life that shows in post-harvest. This hinders the commercialization and export. The use of modified atmosphere (MA) by means of a plastic film arises like an alternative that would allow to extend the post-harvest and the conservation of the sensorial properties of the fruits of Fragaria chiloensis L. The present study had as an objective to evaluate the effectiveness of the bags of MA in the preservation of the sensorial properties and to increase the shell life of Fragaria chiloensis L. Fruits of Fragaria chiloensis L. were harvested in Curepto near the coast of the seventh region of Chile and then analyzed in the science lab of the Universidad Católica del Maule in Curicó. Two treatments were made with MA using plastic films (FF 604 de 200µ UPVC/70µ LDPE), in the T₁ and T₂, besides a witness T₀. (T₁): Fruits were selected and processed at field temperature (18°C) in MA bags, and then stored at 0°C and 90% RH; (T₂): Fruits were selected at 18°C, processed and pre-cooled until pulp temperature of 2°C, in MA bags, and stored at 0°C with 90% RH; (T₀): Fruits selected at 18°C, processed without MA and stored at 0°C with 90% RH. The concentrations of carbon dioxide and oxygen were measured, and also the sensory attributes like flavor, color, texture and general acceptance all of this for a period of 11 days. T₁ y T₂, allowed to avoid using the pre-cooled in fruits without any significant change in the organoleptic properties they have. T₁ y T₂ also contributed, according to the panelist, to maintain the aroma and texture of the fruits, but not the color and flavor.

Keywords : Fragaria sp; modified atmosphere; sensory evaluation.