The use of modified atmosphere packaging as mean of bioactive compounds and antioxidant activities preservation of fresh figs (Ficus carica L.) from rare cultivars

Abstract

Fresh figs belong to a group of foods that perish rapidly. If they are not preserved correctly, their nutritional and high bioactive compounds could be easily lost in few days. The aim of this work is to extend shelf life of two rare Algerian fresh fig cultivars: Abakour-aberkane and Tahayounte. Experiments were carried out by studying the conservation effect under modified atmosphere packaging (MAP), either with the presence or absence of ethylene absorbent (KMnO4). Physicochemical parameters, bioactive compound contents (phenolic, flavonoid, anthocyanin, carotenoid, and ascorbic acid contents), and antioxidant activities (free radical scavenging activity and ferrous ions chelating activity) were monitored at 5 and 10 days of storage at 4°C. The use of MAP had allowed the extension of figs shelf life during storage; with retarding the ripening process by recording a slight decrease in bioactive compounds and expressed a moderate antioxidant activities. In this regard, the application of the latter conservation modality can enhance the studied fresh figs sale for a moderate period.