A shelf life of 16, 18, 22 and 28 days was observed in chillies
packed in microporous, PE-LD, polyolefin and anti-fog films,
respectively; as compared to 15 days in the case of control
samples at low temperature storage (8 1 8C). Microporous
film allowed rapid gas exchange than other films. Low water
vapour permeability of the PE-LD film lead to moisture
condensation, which further reduced the shelf-life of chillies.
The chillies packed in anti-fog (RD45) film showed a higher
shelf-life of 28 days and maintained freshness for a longer
duration due to its optimum gas and water vapour permeabilities.
The overall beneficial effects in terms of shelf life
extension of chillies could be attributed to optimum modified
atmosphere conditions generated in the packets causing
decreased tissue respiration and restricted weight loss.
Anti-fog (RD45) film packed chillies showed maximum (95%)
marketability by the end of 28 days