MINIMAL PROCESSING AND MODIFIED ATMOSPHERE PACKAGING EFFECTS ON PIGMENTATION OF POMEGRANATE SEEDS

The influence of different washings, temperatures, and packagings on a nthocyanins of minimally processed pomegranate seeds was evaluated. No differences were found in anthocyanin composition after washing with different solutions, although a slight decrease in pigments occurred. Storage in perforated polypropylene bags preserved pigments and a slig ht increase in most anthocyanins occurred. During storage in modified atmospheres, anthocyanins increased at 1 degrees C, but decreased at s and 4 degrees C. The delphinidin derivatives were the most sensitive w hile cyanidin and pelargonidin derivatives were stable and increased s lightly. The 3,5-diglucosides were more stable than 3-glucosides. Comp ared with storage at 1 degrees C for 7 days in perforated OPP bags, un perforated OPP bags maintained the pigments better. However, stored an additional 4 days at 4 degrees C to simulate domestic storage, they w ere better preserved in perforated films.