Individual film wrapping of Florida fresh fruit and vegetables.
Risse L. A.
Author Affiliation: USDA, Agricultural Research Service, Orlando, FL 32803, USA.
Acta Horticulturae : 263-270
Abstract : In studies with cucumbers, aubergines, tomatoes, capsicums, grapefruits, lemons and mangoes, individual film wrapping generally reduced weight loss, colour development and chilling injury, even under optimum storage conditions, and maintained firmness and internal quality. At higher-than-optimum storage temperatures, these advantages were generally more pronounced. Film wrapping had a varied effect on decay development depending on the type of decay organism and the specific produce item. The use of fungicides coated onto films may provide a partial control for some types of decay. Some of the disadvantages of film wrapping include the cost of film and machines for application, line speed for wrapping, impermeability of some films to commodity treatments (fumigation), possible acceleration of decay and development of off-flavours. The advantages of film wrapping for high-quality produce at premium prices generally outweigh the disadvantages.