The effects of cut shape and temperature on the respiratory activity and ethylene synthesis of fresh-cut 'Pérola' pineapple were investigated. Two experiments were carried out. In the first, slices and chunks were placed in air-tight packages kept at 4 or 10ºC. Gas samples were taken every 2 h during 12 h and analysed by gas chromatography. In the second experiment, peeled fruits, slices and chunks were placed in air-tight glass jars connected to a flowboard installed in a cold room at 5 ± 1ºC. This system provided a continuous flow of humid and cold air during 14 d. Respiration rate was determined every 2 h, during the first 12 h, then daily for 10 d and on days 12 and 14. Ethylene synthesis was not detected during 12 h of evaluation. The lower respiration rates that occurred when fruits were stored at 4ºC indicate that this condition provides greater shelf life for the fresh-cut product. The initial respiration rate of slices and chunks stored at 5ºC doubled as compared with peeled fruits under the same conditions. The respiratory behaviour of slices and chunks was very similar during 14 d of cold storage, with respiration rates between 1.96 and 4.10 mg CO2 kg-1 h-1.
Ananas comosus; ethylene; minimal processing; respiration rate
