Individual Film Wrapping of Fresh Florida Cucumbers,Eggplant,Peppers,and Tomatoes for Extending Shelf Life

Abstract

Individual wrapping of fresh fruits and vegetables in heat-shrinkable film has gained widespread interest in the past several years. Several Florida fresh vegetables, namely cucumbers, eggplant, peppers, and tomatoes, have been studied to evaluate their response to a film wrapped environment Generally, film wrapping will reduce weight loss, maintain firmness, reduce color development of peppers and tomatoes; film wrapping has a varied effect on decay development depending on the type of decay organism and produce item. The use of a fungicide coated onto the film may provide partial control for some types of decays. The main decay problem with many Florida vegetables is bacterial soft rot, a decay known to be difficult to control.

Keywords

Weight loss firmness color development decay modified atmosphere vegetables individual film wrapping propylene/ethylene copolymer film shrink wrapping.

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References

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