An important strategy to control some of these transformations
and degradations is the use of modified atmospheres (Lin and
Zhao, 2007). Modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) storage and
controlled atmosphere (CA) storage are used to increase the shelf
life of fruits and vegetables. MAP is the alteration of the gaseous
environment produced as a result of respiration (passive MAP) or
by the addition and removal of gases from food packages (active
MAP) to manipulate the levels of O2 and CO2. Depleted O2 and/or
enriched CO2 levels can reduce respiration, delay ripening,
decrease ethylene production, retard textural softening, and slow