This work was conducted to evaluate the effect of refrigerated and modified atmosphere storage conditions on the quality of 'Perola' pineapple fruits. The fruits were kept under refrigerated storage conditions at 8ºC and 90%RH for 17 days, when they were transferred to environmental conditions (25 ºC, 75-80%RH). The evaluations were carried out during the reception and after 5, 9, 13, 17, 21, 25 and 29 days. The experimental design was completely randomized in a factorial scheme (6x8), with six treatments (control, two waxes, and three plastic film) and eight evaluation times. The evaluated parameters were: color, rot, internal browning, pH, contents of total soluble solids (TTS), total titratable acidity -(TTA), ascorbic acid, and soluble and reducing sugars. During the storage were observed:that fruits yellowish, and increase in pH, TSS/TTA ratio, and sugars. There was a direct correspondence between the chilling occurrence and storage time. The chilling symptoms begins four days after the fruits were removed to environmental conditions, and was higher in the unpacked and waxed fruits. The PElD and PVC films delay the chilling symptoms.
Ananas comosus (L.) Merrill; storage; chilling
