Effect of modified atmosphere storage on quality of Hellawi dates at Khalal (Balah) stage

Abstract

This study evaluated the storage of 'Hellawi' date fruits under modified atmosphere (MA) conditions (5% and 7% CO2, each with 5% O2, with atmospheric air as a control) and their effect on some quality attributes. The fruits were harvested at the Balah (mature firm) stage during the first week of September. The strands were cut, and the fruits were washed, sorted, and divided into treatments (350g each). They were then stored inside sealed plastic bottles for three months at 1°C ±0.5 with three replications. The studied attributes included: respiration rate, firmness, weight loss, total soluble solids (TSS), and color parameters (L, a, b). All attributes were measured at harvest, after three weeks, and at the end of the storage period with five replications, and were compared to their values at harvest. The results showed a significant effect of MA on respiration rate, which decreased to less than 0.35 ml·kg⁻¹·h⁻¹ for both MA treatments, with the 5% CO₂ treatment showing a significant preference. Fruit firmness also decreased significantly at the end of storage compared to values recorded at harvest, while MA treatments and storage time did not significantly affect total soluble solids. A significant increase in weight loss percentage was recorded at the end of storage for the control (air) treatment compared to the two MA treatments. The effect of MA treatments and storage time was significant on color parameters (L, a, b) compared to those recorded at harvest; color values decreased for both MA treatments and the air treatment, and fruit color changed from yellow to light brown. The results also showed that storage for three months was relatively better for the 5% CO₂ treatment.