SM Aleid^{1, 2,}, MS AL Saikhan³

This study aimed to assess the effect of selectively permeable Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) films on quality and shelf life stability of ¡°khenaizy¡± fresh dates stored at 1¡ãC. MAP gas system with 20% CO₂ in nitrogen and a semi-permeable films enabled the diffusion of moisture and gases creating an equilibrium state which was able to slow down the ripening progression and significantly preventing weight loss and color darkening. Fresh dates packaged in low barrier laminated film (F3) allowed more moisture loss indicated by their high-water vapour transmission rate compared to dates enclosed in packages inhibiting water loss. MAP treatments initially flushed with 20% CO₂ in N continued to record low penetration values (high firmness) at 30 days. The skin of ¡°khenaizy¡± fresh dates is original red. Dates stored in medium barrier laminated film (F2)+Normal air and F3+MAP showed significant retention of fruit firmness after 20 days of storage compared with other treatments. The use of MAP with F2 films had some potential to reduce rate of color change of ¡°khenaizy¡± fresh dates packed at the ¡°Khalal¡± stage of maturity stored for 30 days at 1¡ãC. Only a slight increase in water activity (a_w), indicating better resistance against fruits deterioration during storage, for both MAP and Normal air treatments over storage period compared with control. The change in quality appeared to be a function of storage atmosphere, sealing films' permeability rates and a_w.

fresh dates, modified atmosphere packaging, permeable films, quality, shelf life, storage