Five different packages (2 made of plastic, 2 of cardboard, and 1 made of wood) were evaluated with respect to the protection of tomatoes (Santa Clara variety) during their transportation and handling. These tomatoes were compared to control samples, as related to fruits with no physical impact or vibration, considering the percentage of those fruits with mechanical injuries and their severity. The fruits were stored at ambient temperature for 7 days until they reached full-color and then evaluated regarding the incidence of decay, weight loss, and flavor by Brix/acidity ratio and sensory analysis. The results have shown that the tomatoes on the bottom of the boxes had worse bruises and that the separated clapboards and the clues of wooden boxes caused the most severe injuries. The results also permitted the conclusion that there were less bruised tomatoes in the smaller cardboard package compared to the plastic and wooden boxes.
tomato; packages; postharvest handling; mechanical injury
