Modified atmosphere packaging for long-term storage of astringent persimmons

The maximum storage life ‘Triumph’ persimmons in modified atmosphere (MA) packs of 0.08 mm low-density polyethylene was 8 weeks when packed under vacuum and 20 weeks when packed under nitrogen. The storage life could be extended to 7 months by storing ggibberellin-treated fruit in air at −1C°C prior to MA packaging. The factor which limited further extension of the storage life of the fruit under these conditions was the accumulation of ethanol and acetaldehyde, which caused development of off-flavors and tissue browning, respectively.