Development and Evaluation of Pilot Scale Modified Atmosphere Storage and Modified Atmosphere Packaging Systems for Tomatoes

A pilot scale modified atmosphere storage (MAS) structure of 100 kg and modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) of 1 kg capacity have been designed and developed for the storage of tomatoes. A polymeric film (LDPE + LLDPE, 80 µ thickness) has been used as the lining material to act as a regulator for the transport of gases and water vapor. The retail size MA packaging study of medium-size tomatoes were taken and packed in 80 µm (LDPE + LLDPE) polymeric film (size: 25 × 22 cm2) so as to compare with the quality of MAS system. The quality analysis revealed that the parameters namely physiological loss in weight (PLW), firmness, color (L*, a*, b*), TSS, and titratable acidity were found to be 0.3%; 45.88 N; 60.23, − 3.25, 32.16; 4.3; and 0.55 of tomatoes after 21 days of storage in MAS system at ambient temperature (25 °C), respectively, which is comparable with the quality parameters at harvesting maturity and 1 kg MA package. The MAS system increased the shelf life from 7 to 21 days for tomatoes, at ambient temperature. However, the shelf life was achieved up to 35 days at 10 °C in MAS for tomatoes. Thus, developed structure is highly beneficial in retailing and transportation of tomatoes.