Effect of modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) in the antioxidant capacity of arazá (Eugenia stipitata McVaugh), naranjilla (Solanum quitoense Lam.), and tree tomato (Solanum betaceum Cav.) fruits from Ecuador

This study aimed to determine the effects of the modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) in the antioxidant capacity (AC) of arazá (Eugenia stipitata McVaugh), naranjilla (Solanum quitoense Lam.), and tree tomato (Solanum betaceum Cav.). AC was evaluated by ABTS and DPPH methods. Fruits were cold stored using three MAPs (MAP 1:2.5%2.5% O2: 5.0% CO2); (MAP 2:2.5% O2: 2.5% CO2); and (MAP 3:80% O2: 10% CO2) for 1, 4, 7, and 10 days. ABTS showed the highest AC values with respect to DPPH. Arazá fruit AC was correlated with total flavonoids content (TFC) (r >.8360) and total polyphenols content (TPC) (r >.7252). Naranjilla fruit (r >.8188) and tree tomato 2.5% O2: 2.5% CO2 (r >.7365), TPC and TFC showed significant correlations with the DPPH. When using the canonical correlation analysis, it was observed that TPC is responsible for AC of the three fruits, showing strong correlations (.9716) with DPPH. Practical applications: The present study has as practical applications to provide knowledge on the cold storage of araza Eugenia stipitata McVaugh), naranjilla (Solanum quitoense Lam.), and tree tomato (Solanum betaceum Cav.) fruits. It also describes the effect of modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) on the antioxidant capacity of the three fruits studied. This study provides knowledge about biological properties of these fruits during cold storage with modified atmosphere.

The authors wish to thank Jonathan Sánchez and Colegio Padre Miguel Gamboa (El Coca, Ecuador) for growing and free supplying the Araza fruits, SENESCYT for their contribution through the Project Prometheus Grant awarded to Dr. Angós and the funding from the Dirección de Investigación y Desarrollo (DIDE) of the Technical University of Ambato through its open call for research projects, and Fundación Carolina for the financial support of MSc. Llerena during her stage at the Public University of Navarre.