Shelf-life and quality of ber (Ziziphus mauritiana Lamk) fruits after postharvest water dipping treatments and storage

An experiment was conducted to study the effect of postharvest water dipping treatments and storage conditions on shelf life and quality of ber (Ziziphus mauritiana Lamk). Fresh fruits of ber 'Umran' were dipped in either cold (12degreesC) or hot (50degreesC) water for 5 min and packed under different storage containers i.e. corrugated fibre board boxes, sealed polythene bags and perforated polythene bags. Control fruits were packed without dipping treatment. Result showed that postharvest water dipping at 50degreesC for 5 min significantly increased the shelf life and maintained the quality of ber fruits, particularly late in the storage period. Fruits packed in sealed polythene bags significantly lowered the loss in fruit weight, spoilage and ripening with consequent increase in acidity and organoleptic score. Interactive results showed that hot-water treated fruits stored in modified atmospheric bags (sealed polythene bags) were qualitatively better than control fruits in terms of colour, taste and appearance. The organoleptic score reveals the acceptability of these fruits even after day 8 of storage. The control fruits were not found acceptable after day 4 of storage. It is suggested that postharvest fruit dipping in hot water (50degreesC) for five minutes followed by packaging in sealed polythene bags can enhance the shelf life and quality of ber fruits.