effect of modified atmosphere packaging on aril physico-chemical and microbial properties of two pomegranate cultivars (punica granatum l.) grown in iran

Background and objectives: edible parts of pomegranate fruits are a rich source of bioactive compounds. the present research examines the effect of modified atmosphere packaging on the fruit physico-chemical and microbial properties of two commercial pomegranate cultivars grown in iran.materials and methods: the arils were packaged and stored under four different atmospheres. all of the packaged samples were stored at 4 °c for 15 days.results: the results revealed an increase in total acidity of all treatments. the highest total soluble solid (tss) was observed in ‘yousef-khani’­ stored in 10% o2 + 15% co2, while ‘malas-e-saveh’ treated with 20% o2 + 5% co2 showed the highest degree of tss. the mean value of a* in ‘malas-e-saveh’ arils packed with normal and (15% o2 + 10% co2 + 75% n2) atmosphere increased significantly. the l* showed a decrease in ‘yousef-khani’­. total phenolic compounds gradually increased during storage. after storage, decreases in total anthocyanin contents ranged from 12 to 30% for ‘yousef-khani’­. the overall antioxidant activity of arils in ‘yousef-khani’ showed a 6-15% increase during storage. however, a reverse effect was observed for ‘malas-e-saveh’. the lowest microbial counts were recorded under the atmosphere containing 10 and 15% co2.conclusions: packaging of ‘malas-e-saveh’ arils in 15% o2 + 10% co2 and ‘yousef-khani’ in 15% o2 + 10% co2 or 10% o2 + 15% co2 is recommended to extend the shelf-life of ready-to-eat arils.keywords: pomegranate, modified atmosphere, phenolic compounds, anthocyanin, antioxidant activity