The packaging under conventional modified atmospheres,
characterized by low O2 level (1 and 5%), successfully
preserved the firmness of apple slices during all
refrigerated storage limiting the ethylene production. In
addition also the alternative mix Ar þ CO2 was able to control
the ethylene production and consequently to maintain
firmness, even if an interaction between anti-browning dipping
treatment and modified atmosphere was found: the
preserving efficacy of MAP resulted almost completely
nullified by the dipping treatment, which, based on ascorbic
and citric acid, caused a structural breakdown. However,
MAPs were not able to control the enzymatic browning if
not combined with an anti-browning dipping treatment.
The studies on the interaction between anti-browning treatments
and modified atmosphere packaging highlighted the
key role of sensory analysis in finding the best combination
between MAP, anti-browning treatment and shelf life time.
The contrasting results among the various research groups
could be reasonably also due to the different periods
(from 14 to 60 days) and temperatures (from 3 to 6 C)
of shelf life. Furthermore it was shown that using electronic
nose it is possible to classify apple slices according to the
shelf life time, and so it could be useful to manage freshcut
apple products during production and along the distribution
chain in order to limit waste.