Effect of modified atmosphere packaging on quality of fresh-cut jackfruit bulbs (Artocarpus heterophyllus L.)

The aim of the research is to extend the shelf life of fresh cut jackfruit bulbs through pre-treatment combined with modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) and cold storage. Fresh-cut jackfruit bulbs were pre-treated with 1% CaCl₂ and 0.25% ascorbic acid packed in transparent polypropylene covers with different gas compositions (2% O₂ + 3% CO₂ + 95% N₂; 2% O₂ + 5% CO₂ + 93% N₂; 3% O₂ + 3% CO₂ + 94% N₂; 3% O₂ + 5% CO₂ + 92% N₂; 4% O₂ + 3% CO₂ + 93% N₂; 4% O₂ + 5% CO₂ + 91% N₂) along with control(passive gas composition)and stored in cold storage (6±2°C and relative humidity -85±5%). Among different gas compositions, the bulbs packed with O₂ + 10% CO₂+ 82% N₂ has showed an increase in storage life up to 24 days by reduced respiration rate (3.96 mg CO₂ kg^‑1 h^‑1), minimum physiological loss in weight (PLW) (0.23%) with retention of higher firmness (4.05 kg cm^‑2), maintained total soluble solids (28.70%) and higher titratable acidity (0.52%) as compared to 12 days storage life in control.