Effect of controlled-atmosphere storage on the quality and carotenoid content of sliced persimmons and peaches

Changes in quality, retinol equivalents (RE) and individual provitamin A carotenoids in fresh cut 'Fay Elberta' peaches (Prunus persica (L.) Batsch) held for 7 days and 'Fuyu' persimmons (Diospyros kaki L.) held for 8 days at 5 degrees C in air or controlled atmospheres were evaluated. Controlled atmospheres of 2% O-2, 12% CO2 in air, and 2% O-2 + 12% CO2 had no effect on quality attributes of sliced peaches over 7 days of storage. Visual quality of persimmon slices was slightly enhanced by the treatments containing 12% CO2, which also resulted in significant differences in color. Peach slices stored in air + 12% CO2 had a lower content of beta-carotene and beta-cryptoxanthin, resulting in lower RE than the other treatments. The various carotenoids found in persimmon slices responded differently to the tested atmospheres; storage in 2% O-2 or air + 12% CO2 tended to result in lower RE after 8 days, but the loss was not significant for fruit stored under 2% O-2 + 12% CO2. For sliced peaches and persimmons, the limit of shelf life was reached before major losses of carotenoids occurred.