abstract
A new, fresh-like product from ‘Lamuyo’ red bell peppers has been developed by combining partial
dehydration and modified atmosphere packaging. The effects of different processing and storage
conditions on the quality and shelf life of the partially dehydrated peppers were studied. Neither chlorine
nor blanching treatments affected the quality of the dehydrated product. The best results were obtained
with peppers cut in eight longitudinal strips (2e3 cm width), washed with tap water and dried for 6 h at
80 C and 10% RH. After this treatment, peppers did not need to be rehydrated for consumption. Whereas
N2 and air-packed samples were spoiled after 5 and 10 d of storage at 8 C, respectively, an atmosphere
with 3 ml/100 ml O2 and 5 ml/100 ml CO2 yielded the best results during the storage period. Under these
conditions, all the physicochemical parameters studied remained stable and the ready-to-eat pepper
strips were found to keep good aroma, visual quality and global impression. At the same time, the shelflife
was extended up to 18 days at 8 1 C, limited mainly by fungal growth and the development of offodors
inside the packages.