Establishing the Most Appropriate Modified Atmosphere Composition to Store Dewi Star Fruit (Averrhoa carambola L.).

Abstract

Star fruit is commonly cultivated in tropical regions, particularly in Southeast Asia, including Indonesia. This tropical fruit is known for its numerous beneficial nutrients and medicinal properties. However, star fruit is prone to damage and can rot quickly during storage. While several studies have explored the use of modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) for storing star fruit. However, a comprehensive study determining the optimal temperature, packaging, and atmospheric composition for storing star fruit is still limited. This study aims to design MAP for the storage of star fruit. The investigation focuses on how MAP affects changes in fruit quality during storage and how it can extend the shelf life of star fruit over a period of 40 days. The findings indicate that the senescence of star fruit is delayed when the fruit is packaged in polypropylene (PP) with a modified atmosphere consisting of 3% oxygen and 5%-7% carbon dioxide, all stored at 10°C and relative humidity (RH) of 80 ± 5%. This MAP treatment effectively reduces respiration rates and weight loss while preserving the fruit's firmness. The ideal plastic film for MAP at 10°C is PP, with a thickness of 0.039 mm and an average packaging surface area of 259 cm². Each package contains one star fruit, averaging 281 g in weight. The combination of MAP and storage at 10°C significantly enhances the quality of star fruit and can extend its postharvest life by up to 40 days.