Gas Concentrations in Modified Atmosphere Bulk Vegetable Packages as Affected by Package Orientation and Perforation Location

A perforated plexiglass package box was used to study the effects of package orientation and perforation location on gas concentration profiles during modified atmosphere packaging of broccoli (Brassica oleracea) florets. Three package orientations and perforation locations were studied. Two temperature conditions were studied namely: constant temperature at 2°C and variable temperature between 2 and 20°C. Package orientation and perforation location affected gas concentration gradients across the package. Placing the package in a vertical orientation with perforation at the top side, resulted in higher gas concentration gradients in the package. Lower gas concentration gradients were obtained when the package was placed in a vertical orientation with perforation at the lower side. Temperature variation resulted in gas concentration fluctuation in the package.