The objective of this work was to determine the most efficient potassium permanganate (KMnO4) dose associated with plastic packaging in delaying processes related to ripening of 'Golden' papaya stored under room temperature. Groups of three fruits with unitary average weight of 278,8±18,9 g were wrapped in low-density polyethylene bags with KMnO4 sachets, in the doses of 0.0, 1.0, 2.0, 3.0 and 4.0 g/bag. The wrapped fruits were stored for 15 days at 20.0 ± 0.5 °C and 90 ± 5% RH. After this period, the fruits were removed from the bags and were kept in the same environment. In the beginning of the storage, in the day of the removal of the bags (15th day of storage), and 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 days after, concentration of CO2 within the bags, CO2 production, peel color and weight loss of the fruit, consistence, electrolyte leakage, soluble solids concentration and ethanol concentration of the pulp were measured. After 15 days of permanence in the bags, KMnO4-treated fruits presented smaller production of CO², less intense peel color, smaller electrolyte leakage, higher firmness and smaller ethanol concentration when compared to treated ones, indicating that non-treated fruits had premature ripening. After removing the packaging, the firmness of KMnO4-treated fruits did not reduce for two days and these stayed firmer than non-treated ones until the fifth day of evaluation. The dose of 1.0 g KMnO4/bag was the best one for the conditions of the experiment.
Carica papaya L.; modified atmosphere passive; potassium permanganate
