Impact and packaging: do they affect fruit quality?

The postharvest supply chain of fresh produce is often subjected to mechanical loading conditions such as impact. This may result in mechanical damage and influence the quality of the produce, which is a major cause of postharvest losses and waste. This study examined two effects (impact and package types) that influence quality attributes contributing to apple fruit deterioration during storage. Fruit packed in two different package types (control and standard) were dropped at 30 and 50 cm and stored at -0.5°C and 95% relative humidity for two months. Accelerometers affixed to the package were used to measure shock response to impact. Monthly observations were recorded on the packed fruit’s qualitative attributes, such as weight loss, firmness, total soluble solids, titratable acidity, and pH. The packages responded differently to shock, and maximum acceleration occurred in packages dropped at 50 cm. Results showed that fruit quality was insignificantly affected by impact and package types. Maximum weight loss occurred in apples inside the control package at 50 cm drop height. A decrease of about 6.7% in firmness was observed during storage. Total soluble solids and titratable acidity fluctuated slightly while pH increased throughout the storage.