Chemical Changes during Storage of 'Barhi' Dates under Controlled Atmosphere Conditions

Abstract

Mature 'Barhi' dates ( Phoenix dactylifera L . ) were stored in air or under controlled atmosphere (CA) storage conditions with 5%, 10%, or 20% carbon dioxide concentrations (balance air) during storage at 0 °C. CA conditions extended date storability by maintaining fruit quality. Fruit quality was maintained for 26 weeks when stored in 20% CO 2 , 17 weeks in both 5% and 10% CO 2 , and 7 weeks in air. Treatment with 20% CO 2 maintained fruit color, firmness, SSC%, total sugar content, and total tannins. CO 2 treatment also reduced degradation of caffeoylshikimic acid (CSA), which is one of the major phenolic compound of date fruit. This study indicates that 'Barhi' dates could be stored under CA conditions in cold storage with good eating quality for 17 to 26 weeks.