Quality indexes and internal atmosphere of packaged fresh-cut pears (AbateFetel and Kaiser varieties)

The paper reports the results of a study aimed at investigating the evoluti on of the internal atmosphere and the influence of a browning inhibitor tre atment on the chemical, physical and sensory parameters of fresh-cut pears (Abate Fetel and Kaiser varieties) stored at 3+/-1 degrees C for 15 days. T he fresh-cut pears maintained respiration activity over the storage time; t he rate of respiration was influenced slightly by the browning inhibitor di pping. The browning inhibitor treatment delayed the browning and also influ enced the quality parameters. The expected shelf-life of fresh-cut pears sh ould be in the range 8-12 days at 3 degrees+/-1 degrees C; but the highest level of quality was maintained for up to 4-8 days of storage.