It was tested the utilization of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) packages and the use of ethylene adsorber, of persimmons cv. 'Fuyu', with the objective of improving commercial quality and the shelf-life of the fruits, in 2 experimental seasons (1999/2000 e 2000/2001). The fruits were harvested at the yellow-orange ripening stage in the company KIWIS'TRIN Ltda, in Farroupilha/RS, cleaned, selected, pre-refrigerated and packed in LDPE packages with and without ethylene adsorption. In the season 1999/2000 the fruits were stored without packaging, in LDPE packages of 22 µm with capacity for 12 and 40 fruits, and of 33 µm with capacity for 12 fruits, since half of the packages had the ethylene adsorber sachet. At the laboratory of Biotechnology of Food of UFPel/DCTA it was evaluated the following variables: pulp firmness, total soluble solid (TSS) and total titratable acidity (TTA). It was found that the fruits packed in LDPE of 22 µm with capacity for 12 fruits with and without adsorption sachet demonstrated higher pulp firmness, lower contents of total soluble solids and higher levels of total titratable acidity, suggesting a ripening delay. In the season 2000/2001 it was tested the storage without packaging, in packages of 22 µm with capacity for 12, 18 and 24 fruits, with and without the utilization of sachet. It was noticed that the fruits packed in packages having a thickness of 22 µm for 12 fruits, with the system of ethylene adsorption, demonstrated slower ripening and excellent maintenance of organoleptic quality.
Packaking; sensorial analysis; conservation; Diospyrus kaki L.
