Influence of the modified atmosphere packaging on shelf life and quality of Navalinda sweet cherry

The benefits of different wrap-films for Navalinda sweet cherry, packaged in small-format (consumer packages), were analysed. A storage and distribution process entailing eight days at 4 degreesC plus four days at 20 degreesC was simulated. The cherries were packed in punnets and film-wrapped with one macroperforated film and two microperforated films of 0.30 (MAP.30) and 0.55 (MAP.55) mumol cm/cm(2) atm day of CO2 permeability at 0 degreesC. Packing in MAP at 0 degreesC did not alter the subsequent respiratory intensity of the fruits at 20 degreesC; however, the respiratory intensity at 20 degreesC did increase when the storage temperature was raised to 4 degreesC. The concentration of CO2 (%) inside the packets at 20 degreesC was proportional to the permeability of the films: MAP.30 (21%) and MAP.55 (15%). The microperforated films preserved fruit acidity and firmness while slowing down the darkening of colour, loss of quality and decay. Shelf life was most effectively prolonged with MAP.30 film. However, in view of the levels of hypoxia reached at 20 degreesC, its use is recommended only in the distribution and marketing processes with failsafe cold chains. The recommendations of use of the films, for the different markets, are expressed in light of the obtained results.