3.3. Weight loss
There was no significant physiological weight loss in LDPE stored samples for all the packaging conditions under refrigerated storage (Fig. 5). Papaya samples stored under ambient condition showed a steep increase in weight loss after 3 days of storage in vacuum sealed pouches whereas after 6 days in air sealed pouches for both the packaging materials. The weight loss increased continuously in vacuum sealed MPP pouch even under refrigerated storage condition (Fig. 6). Under ambient storage, the physiological weight loss was observed to be less
(13–14%) in perforated pouches as compared to air and vacuum sealed pouches (46.7–50%) after 12 days of storage. Samples stored in perforated pouches under refrigerated condition showed less decrease in weight (6–7%) in comparison to all the storage conditions. Except vacuum and air sealed samples under ambient storage, the weight loss is within acceptable limit of 10% up to 9 days of storage in all other conditions of storage. The weight loss is a natural process of catabolism of horticultural products, catalyzed by enzymes and is accelerated by cutting and slicing. This decrease in weight may be attributed to respiration and other senescence related to metabolic processes during storage .