Modified Atmosphere Packaging and Low Temperature Storage of Red-Fleshed Dragon
Fruit (Hylocereus polyrhizus (Weber) Britton & Rose)
Angelo C. Castro1,2*, Elda B. Esguerra1,2 and Rona Kay G. Franco2
1Postharvest and Seed Sciences Division (PSSD), Institute of Crop Science, College of Agriculture and Food
Science (CAFS), University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), College 4031, Los Baños Laguna, Philippines;
2Postharvest Horticulture Training and Research Center (PHTRC), CAFS, UPLB, College 4031, Los Baños
Laguna, Philippines. *Corresponding author, accastro4@up.edu.ph
Abstract
Dragon fruit (H. polyrhizus) gained popularity in the Philippines because of its attractive
red peel and green bracts, high nutritive value and reputation for profitability. However, it
is a short-season crop and highly perishable due to moisture loss, shrivelling, decay and
bract discoloration that detracts consumer appeal and limit its marketable life. This study
was conducted to extend the storage and shelf life of dragon fruit through modified
atmosphere packaging (MAP) in combination with storage at low temperature. Excellent
quality fruit harvested at 25-30 d after flowering were sleeved in polystyrene fruit cup and
individually packed in 50.8 μm thick polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) non-
perforated plastic bags. Sample fruits were withdrawn every 2 wk from storage at 5°C and
transferred to 20°C for shelf life evaluation. MAP-stored fruit remained in excellent
condition for up to 6 weeks at 5°C without any shrivelling thus fruits were firm, and bracts
remained green. The use of polystyrene fruit cups generally aided in maintaining the
visual quality of the fruit by protecting the bracts from breaking during handling. Non-
packed (non-MA packed) fruits on the other hand lasted for only 4 wk at 5°C with
noticeable change in visual quality and the bracts already exhibiting yellowing and tip
browning. Shelf life at 20°C after a 4 wk storage of MA- and non-MA packed fruits were 5
d and 2 d, respectively. Extension of storage to 6 wk shortened the shelf life of MA-packed
fruit to 3 d while non-MA packed were already unmarketable. Total soluble solids,
titratable acidity and total phenolic content were higher in PE-packed fruit at its limit of
marketability at 20°C.
Keywords: dragon fruit, low temperature storage, modified atmosphere packaging
Vol 45:(1) April 2020