The effect of modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) along with moisture absorbent was
assessed for maintaining quality attributes and extending shelf life of green bell pepper
(Capsicum annuum L.) in bulk packages. Under active packaging the quality of capsicum were
based on MAP using permeable polymeric films and sachets of silica gel crystals as moisture
absorbents. Pre-designed polypropylene film (38 mm) packages were used for storage study
under MAP at 8 1 8C temperature. The in-pack O2 and CO2 composition and respiration
rate in the package headspace was monitored during storage in all the treatments. A
modified atmosphere of 4.5% O2, 7.8% CO2 and 4.7% O2, 7.5% CO2 were achieved in the
MA packages with and without moisture absorbent, respectively. The active packaging
significantly reduced the respiration rate of fruit in the package. These packaged fruits were
compared with non-packaged samples, which served as control stored at both ambient
conditions (CS) and control at refrigerated temperature (CR). The quality of capsicums was
assessed by physiological weight loss, color (L*, h* and C*) values, firmness, ascorbic acid,
decay and marketability. The shelf life of bell pepper was extended to 49 days in active
packages, 42 days with MA packages, as compared to 21 days with CR packages and 7 days
with CS. Above all, by placing silica crystals sachets in the head space with moisture
absorbing ability, could further extend the shelf life of capsicum 7 days in addition to
modified atmosphere packaging alone with 97% fruit marketability.