Configuration of biodegradable equilibrium modified atmosphere packages, including a moisture absorber for fresh cape gooseberry (Physalis peruviana L.) fruits

Different equilibrium modified atmosphere packaging systems (EMAP) were evaluated for cape gooseberry fruits, including a moisture adsorber. Three packages were used: cellulose trays with a cellulose film, polylactic acid (PLA) trays and film, and polyethylene terephthalate trays (PET) with a film of polypropylene (PP). The packages' configuration, perforations, and amount of moisture adsorber were predefined by modeling the gas transfer in the packaging system. The packaged fruits were stored at 6 degrees C and 75 % RH for 6 weeks. The fruits in the PLA trays without sachets had the maximum shelf life of 42 days, while the fruits in celulose with sachets had a shelf life of 40 days compared to 35 days with the PET/PP trays and 21 days of the control fruits. With similar equilibrium gas levels between the EMAP packages, the higher permeability to water vapor of PLA prevented the formation of condensation with lower dehydration compared to the celulose packages with sachets.