Evaluation of a Packaging System in Pallets Under Modified Atmosphere to Extend the Shelf-life of ‘Padrón’ Peppers Stored at Refrigeration Temperature

Abstract A modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) system in pallets was developed for ‘Padrón’ peppers as a way to extend their shelf-life while maintaining good fruit quality. Peppers were stored at 6 °C cardboard boxes arranged on wrapped micro-perforated low-density polyethylene (LDPE) bags. Physico-chemical (moisture, firmness, color, chlorophylls, carotenoids, ascorbic acid, and total phenolic content) sensory analysis carried out after 0, 7, 14, 21 days of storage. An initial mixture 11.8% O 2 –8.5% CO prevented anaerobic conditions kept suitable levels throughout the entire storage period. Silica gel tested moisture absorbent considerably reduced water vapor condensation inside The MAP maintained until end 21-day always showed appearance color. No rotting or other types undesirable alterations observed. markedly fraction with loss evidenced by minimum percentage wrinkles (12.5%) compared unpackaged samples (75%). Good pigment stability also