Abstract. Experiments were conducted to develop a modified atmosphere packaging system
for fresh-cut cilantro (Coriandrum sativum L.) leaves, and to determine the effect of package
film oxygen transmission rate (OTR) on package atmosphere and the consequence
on quality and microbiology of the product. Package film OTR significantly (P < 0.001)
influenced the package atmospheres and the resultant postharvest physiology and quality
of fresh-cut cilantro leaves under the tested package configuration (bag size 19 × 22 cm,
product fill weight 85 g/bag) and storage condition (0 °C). Oxygen and carbon dioxide levels
of the packages prepared with 3500 mL·d–1·m–2 OTR films equilibrated at 1.5 to 2.3 kPa
and 3.6 to 4.1 kPa, respectively, on day 3 and maintained this level throughout the storage.
The gas compositions of the packages with 6200 mL·d–1·m–2 OTR films showed a similar
trend, except they equilibrated at a higher O2 (3.6 to 5.6 kPa) and lower CO2 (2.7 to 3.3
kPa) level. Fresh-cut cilantro leaves in both packages exhibited the highest tissue integrity
as evidenced by the lowest tissue electrolyte leakage, with high overall visual quality scores
(like moderately to like very much) at the end of 14 days storage. However, atmospheres in
1700 mL·d–1·m–2 OTR film packages displayed a rapid depletion of O2 and accumulation of
CO2, with essentially no O2 (≈0.02 kPa) and high CO2 (7.7 to 9.0 kPa) levels inside the packages
from day 6 until the end of storage. A rapid increase in tissue electrolyte leakage was
observed in cilantro leaves in these packages starting on day 6, increasing 6-fold at the end
of the storage period. Products in these packages developed a strong off-odor, accompanied
by a rapid loss of typical aroma and overall visual quality, with an unacceptable quality
rating at the end of storage (dislike slightly). Samples packaged in perforated bags (without
modified atmosphere) lost moisture over time, and small numbers of wilted leaves were seen.
There was a slow but significant (P < 0.001) increase in aerobic organisms over time with
no significant (P > 0.05) difference among treatments. There was an increase in anaerobic
microorganisms on cilantro leaves packaged in 1700 mL·d–1·m–2 OTR film, although only
≈0.5 log cfu/g difference was observed among the treatments and over time.