The experiment was carried out with the aim to evaluate the effect of modified atmosphere, using low-density polyethylene packaging (FPBD), on the quality of 'Oso Grande' strawberries (Fragaria ananassa L.) stored at 0ºC and 20ºC. Approximately 300g of fruits were placed into trays covered with a 15µm PVC film, and 6 trays were involved with a FPBD film with 22 [T2] or 45µm [T3] thickness and then placed into a commercial wood box. Control fruits [T1] were not involved with FPBD film. After removing air, 15kPa CO2 was injected into the FPBD bags before closing. The experimental design was a completely randomized blocs, with 3 replicates, each composed by 6 trays with 17 fruits. The evaluations were done after exposing the fruits for 7 days at 20ºC, and 14 days at 0ºC plus 3 days at 20ºC. Fruits stored at 20ºC with FPBD films had lower rot incidence, less red color, lower titratable acidity and higher pulp firmness. However, high CO2 partial pressure accumulated in the 45µm coatings (30kPa), which caused alcoholic taste. The fruits stored at 0ºC did not show any differences between the evaluated treatments, but fruits involved with FPBD generally showed better quality.
storage; modified atmosphere; temperature; CO2; quality
