Quality changes were investigated during simulated export procedure of ‘Manna’ pepper (Capsicum annuum. cv. Manna) to elucidate the effects of precooling, storage temperature, and packaging methods. Green peppers were harvested early July and late August, precooled to different levels, and then stored at 0, 4, and 8℃ for 4 weeks under modified atmosphere (MA) packaging conditions.
Effects of precooling on quality for pepper export were limited and varied by quality attributes, whereas storage temperature significantly influenced quality changes. After shipping simulation for 4 weeks, weight losses inside MA packages were less than 1% regardless of precooling and storage temperature. The loss was slightly lower in fruit stored at 0℃.
Respiration rates measured after storage and during the shelf life tended to be higher in peppers stored at 0 and 4℃ than those at 8℃. Flesh firmness and texture rating on the shelf were maintained better after 3/4 precooling plus 4 and 8℃ storage. Surface color was also influenced by storage temperature, although no visible red coloration was observed even after 4-week storage plus 7 days on the shelf. Seed discoloration was severe after 0℃ storage, while moderate in peppers storaged at 4 and 8℃.
Appearance of the pepper after export simulation was better when fruit were precooling to 3/4 level and then stored at 4 or 8℃.
Shelf temperature after 4-week shipping period remarkably affect quality changes during 7-day marketing period. Room temperature on the shelf resulted in rapid decreases in flesh firmness and texture rating while enhanced the seed discoloration. The results suggest that green pepper fruit should be marketed at low shelf temperature, especially when the fruit are exposed to the risk of chilling injury durimg transportation.
As for MAP method, 35 ㎛ PE flim packaging of 150 g unit seemed to be appropriate for quality maintenance. Vaccum packaging rather led to quality deterioration when storage period was extended over four weeks.
Inserting Korea paper inside the packaging did not show significantly beneficial effects.
Overall results indicated that potential shipping period seemed to be shorter than 4 weeks at 6℃ when adequate MAP with 35 ㎛ PE flim and 7-day shelf life was taken into account as a prerequisite condition for the export program.