Use of different packaging and modified atmospheres for postharvest storage of fresh muricis

Abstract

The murici (Byrsonima crassifolia L. Kunth) belonging to the Malpighiaceae family, also known as murici-do-campo, is a typical fruit of the Cerrado. It is consumed in Brazil by the local populations, both in fresh and processed form, such as juices, liqueurs, ice cream, jellies, yogurt, breads and cakes. Based on these possibilities, this work aimed to verify whether the use of different packaging and modified atmospheres was efficient in postharvest storage of muricis in natura. Muricis in natura were stored at 12 ± 2 °C and 60% ± 4% relative humidity in different packages, using a 3x2x9 triple factorial scheme, to evaluate three packages (polypropylene - PP, low density polyethylene - LDPE and polyamide / polyethylene - PA/PE), submitted to two changes of atmosphere: a vacuum and without vacuum, during nine days (0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14 and 16 days). The fruits were evaluated for luminosity, soluble solids, titratable acidity, pH and maturation index. The data were submitted to analysis of variance (p < 0.05) and, when significant, regression analysis was performed. The PA /PE packaging, combined or not with the use of the active modified atmosphere (vacuum), can be indicated for the cold storage (12 ± 2 °C) of muricis in natura, as it has provided a shelf life of 16 days.

Keywords:  Byrsonima crassifolia; vacuum; quality; films; conservation; Cerrado