Effect of minimal processing on bioactive compounds and color attributes of fresh-cut tomatoes

The feasibility of minimal processing and modified atmosphere packaging (5%O₂+5%CO₂) to preserve color attributes and bioactive compounds of fresh-cut tomato from different cultivars (Rambo, Durinta, Bodar, Pitenza, Cencara and Bola) was evaluated through storage under refrigeration. The phenolic compounds and vitamin C content of the six cultivars varied between 187.4 and 335.9 mg/kg fw and from 69.6 and to 212.3 mg/kg fw, respectively. The highest content of lycopene was found in Bodar tomatoes (80.5 mg/kg fw) while the concentration in the other cultivars ranged between 20.0 and 43.1 mg/kg fw. Antioxidant capacity, measured on the basis of the DPPH stable radical, was higher than 9.8% of DPPH inhibition. Neither the content of health-related compounds (lycopene, vitamin C and phenolic compounds) nor the antioxidant capacity changed significantly between whole and just-processed fresh-cut tomatoes. Furthermore the initial colors of fresh-cut tomatoes as well as vitamin C were maintained for 3 weeks under cold storage. The antioxidant capacity was well correlated with vitamin C and phenolic content, whereas lycopene was directly related to color measurements (a^*, L^* and H^*). Minimal processing maintains the main antioxidant compounds and color parameters of slices tomatoes for 21 days at 4 °C, thus preserving their initial nutritional value.     

Effect of ripeness on the shelf-life of fresh-cut melon preserved by modified atmosphere packaging

Fresh-cut ‘Piel de Sapo’ melon was processed at different ripeness stages and stored under modified atmosphere packaging for 35 days at 5 °C. Raw material firmness and soluble solids content ranged from 6.5 to 3.9 N and 11.1 to 14.3 °Brix, respectively. The effects of a 2.5 kPa O₂+7 kPa CO₂ packaging atmosphere and a dip of 1% ascorbic acid and 0.5% calcium chloride on physiology, microbiological stability as well as color and firmness were evaluated. An intermediate stage of ripeness at processing was the most suitable to extend the shelf-life of fresh-cut ‘Piel de Sapo’ melon. Green-mature fresh-cut melon reduced CO₂ accumulation and ethanol production. In addition, a treatment with ascorbic acid and calcium chloride in combination with modified atmosphere packaging, contributed to a greater extension of the shelf-life of fresh-cut melon than that reported for fruits stored under non-modified atmosphere, slowing down the growth of microbial populations, maintaining the original color and reducing softness. Thus, the shelf-life of green-mature fresh-cut ‘Piel de Sapo’ melon dipped in an ascorbic acid and calcium chloride solution and packaged under modified atmosphere was about 10 days.     

Using polysaccharide-based edible coatings to enhance quality and antioxidant properties of fresh-cut melon

The effect of alginate, pectin and gellan-based edible coatings on the shelf-life of fresh-cut ‘Piel de Sapo’ melon was investigated. Gas exchange, antioxidant properties, color, firmness, sensory quality and microbial growth of fresh-cut melon were studied during 15 days at 4 °C. Gellan, pectin and alginate coatings increased the water vapor resistance of fresh-cut melon, thus preventing dehydration. They also had an inhibitory effect on ethylene production although O₂ and CO₂ diffusion through coated melon tissue was not avoided. Calcium chloride used as a crosslinking agent helped to maintain fruit firmness. Edible coatings themselves did not improve microbiological stability of fresh-cut ‘Piel de Sapo’ melon packaged under passive modified atmosphere. Pectin or alginate could reduce the wounding stress induced in fresh-cut melon, which triggered an accumulation of total phenolic compounds and other compounds with antioxidant properties. In addition, pectin-based coating seemed to best maintain sensory attributes.     

Effect of temperature and modified atmosphere packaging on overall quality of fresh-cut bell peppers

The effect of vacuum packaging (VP) and modified atmosphere packaging without vacuum (MAP) on shelf-life of fresh-cut green bell pepper stored at 5°C and 10°C were evaluated. In-package atmosphere, overall quality, percentage of leaked juice, texture, ascorbic acid content, ethanol and acetaldehyde, and microbial growth, were evaluated at different intervals of storage. MAP-fresh-cut peppers presented better visual quality, less leaked juice and higher firmness than those stored under VP. Microbiological and quality analysis revealed a limit of shelf-life of 14 and 21 days, when fresh-cut peppers were stored at 10°C and 5°C, respectively. We conclude that MAP could be used to maintain quality attributes of fresh-cut peppers for up 21 days at 5°C.     

Effects of light-emitting diode illumination on the quality of fresh-cut cherry tomatoes during refrigerated storage

The effects of light-emitting diode (LED) illumination on the quality of fresh-cut cherry tomatoes were investigated. Tomatoes were exposed continuously to red, green, blue and white LED light for 7 days and control samples stored in darkness. Results showed that blue light treatment significantly led to more total soluble solids, lycopene concentration and individual phenolic compounds (chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, rutin) after 7 days of storage. On day-5, green and blue light-treated tomatoes showed relatively higher firmness than samples treated by other lights and the control. At the early stage of storage, blue light could preserve the fresh flavour of tomatoes compared to other treatments. Overall, the blue light was most effective in the quality preservation of fresh-cut cherry tomatoes and could be used as a novel strategy in the preservation of fresh-cut fruits and vegetables during shelf life.     

Effect of Tapioca Starch/Decolorized Hsian-tsao Leaf Gum-Based Active Coatings on the Qualities of Fresh-Cut Apples

The effect of tapioca starch/decolorized hsian-tsao leaf gum (dHG)-based edible coatings with various food additives (including ascorbic acid, calcium chloride, and cinnamon oil) on the qualities and shelf life of fresh-cut “Fuji” apple pieces was investigated during the refrigerated storage. The initial respiration rate, headspace gas composition, color, texture, microbial quality, peroxidase activity, and sensory qualities were analyzed. The results were also compared to those for samples submerged in distilled water and the samples treated with 120-ppm chlorine solution widely used in the industry. It was found that ascorbic acid and cinnamon oil delayed the browning of fresh-cut apples effectively when being applied in the starch/dHG-based edible coating solutions. In combination with calcium chloride, starch/dHG coated fresh-cut apples retained satisfactory firmness. Incorporation of cinnamon oil in starch/dHG coatings significantly reduced the growth of microorganisms, respiration rate, CO₂, and ethylene production of fresh-cut apples, but these apple pieces received lower scores in overall preference during sensory evaluation. Among the starch/dHG-based active coatings studied, starch/dHG coatings with ascorbic acid and calcium chloride are suggested for fresh-cut apples, as they could enhance qualities in terms of color and firmness, and prolong the shelf life up to 5–7 days by providing reasonable microbial quality.     

气调贮藏对腐败菌引起的鲜切黄瓜品质、滋味和挥发性物质变化的影响

本研究采用电子舌、电子鼻和气相色谱-质谱等手段,探讨3%（体积分数,下同）O2＋7% CO2气调贮藏对变形假单胞菌导致的鲜切黄瓜营养品质、滋味和挥发性物质变化的影响。结果表明,变形假单胞菌生长影响了鲜切黄瓜的营养品质,气调贮藏抑制了鲜切黄瓜的呼吸作用,延缓了丙二醛含量和相对电导率的增加,维持了可溶性固形物质量分数和色泽,保持了鲜切黄瓜硬度。电子舌分析结果表明变形假单胞菌对鲜切黄瓜鲜味和鲜味丰度影响最为明显,气调贮藏抑制了变形假单胞菌导致的各滋味变化。不同处理鲜切黄瓜中挥发性物质存在差异。与接菌空气贮藏组相比,气调贮藏延缓了由变形假单胞菌引起的黄瓜特征香气正己醛、(E,Z)-2,6-壬二烯醛和(Z)-6-壬烯醛相对含量的下降,抑制了2,3-二甲基辛烷、6-甲基-3-庚酮、2-正丙基呋喃和二丙基二硫醚这些特征代谢物的产生。本实验结果可为研究微生物腐败引起的黄瓜营养与风味变化提供理论参考。     

切分方式对鲜切哈密瓜品质和活性成分含量的影响

本实验将哈密瓜切分成梯形、方块和片状，置于10 ℃贮藏72 h，研究不同切分方式对鲜切哈密瓜贮藏期间品质及总酚和γ-氨基丁酸（γ-aminobutyric acid，GABA）含量的影响。结果表明：鲜切处理促进了哈密瓜L值、a值、b值、硬度、可溶性固形物质量分数和抗坏血酸含量的下降及菌落总数和透明率的上升，且损伤程度越大，其变化幅度越大。同时，鲜切处理可显著诱导苯丙氨酸解氨酶（L-phenylalanine ammonialyase，PAL）及谷氨酸脱羧酶（glutamate decarboxylase，GAD）活力、总酚及GABA含量和1,1-二苯基-2-三硝基苯肼（1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl，DPPH）自由基清除能力的上升（P＜0.05），以切分损伤强度最大的切片处理组PAL、GAD活力及DPPH自由基清除能力最高，酚类物质和GABA积累最多。综上，切分处理虽可加速鲜切哈密瓜品质的下降，但同时可促进酚类和GABA等生物活性成分的积累，提高其抗氧化活性。     

CONTROLLED ATMOSPHERE STORAGE AND EDIBLE COATING EFFECTS ON STORAGE LIFE AND QUALITY OF TOMATOES

Tomatoes at pink stage maturities were coated with Semperfresh^TM edible fruit coating which is composed of sucrose esters of fatty acids, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose and mono-diglycerides of fatty acids. One group of coated and uncoated tomatoes were stored at 23 × 2C under air atmosphere, another group was stored at 12C under air atmosphere and third group was stored at 12C, 93–95% RH in a controlled atmosphere (CA) containing 3% CO₂, 3% O₂ and 94% N₂. Samples of tomatoes were analyzed for firmness, weight loss, titratable acidity, pH, soluble solids, sugars, ascorbic acid and lycopene to examine changes in quality during storage. Semperfresh^TM edible fruit coating was found to be significantly effective at both storage temperatures (23 × 2C and 12C) in air to delay changes in firmness, titratable acidity, pH, soluble solids, sugars, ascorbic acid and lycopene. Semperfresh^TM fruit coating reduced fruit weight loss as compared to fruit without coating but the difference between coated and uncoated tomatoes was not significant. Shelf-life of pink tomatoes was increased 3 days at 23 × 2C and 6 days at 12C in air by coating. CA storage delayed compositional changes in tomatoes significantly as compared to air storage of coated and uncoated tomatoes. CA storage also had a significant potential for reducing weight loss and microbial spoilage. Tomatoes were stored 40 days in CA. Coated and uncoated tomatoes exhibited the same results in CA.     

Metabolic response to combined mild heat pre-treatments and modified atmosphere packaging on fresh-cut peach

The combined influence of mild heat pre-treatments (MHPT) and two types of modified atmosphere packaging conditions on metabolic response of fresh-cut peach was monitored during a 8-day long storage under refrigeration (4^C). The quality-affecting parameters were evaluated by physical and chemical methods (solute leakage, weight loss, firmness, colour, pH and soluble solid content) and by the evaluation of physiological aspects (respiration rate, PPO and PME activity) as well as vitamins, organic acids and sugars. Regarding main acid compounds, lower levels of malic acid are evident in heat-treated samples. Succinic and citric acids did not seem to be affected by the treatments. Provitamin A (β-carotene) was not affected by MHPT. The decrease in ascorbic acid content observed along the storage period was similar for both treated and untreated samples. Significant firmness improvements were obvious after MHPT due to the activation of PME (≈25%) and the ensuing production of calcium pectates. Efficiency of the passive modified atmosphere was enough to preserve the quality attributes of fresh-cut peaches subjected to MHPT.     

Edible alginate-based coating as carrier of antimicrobials to improve shelf-life and safety of fresh-cut melon

The effect of malic acid and essential oils (EOs) of cinnamon, palmarosa and lemongrass and their main active compounds as natural antimicrobial substances incorporated into an alginate-based edible coating on the shelf-life and safety of fresh-cut "Piel de Sapo" melon (Cucumis melo L.) was investigated. Melon pieces (50 g) were coated with alginate-based edible coating containing malic acid (EC) and EOs or their active compounds before to be packed in air filled polypropylene trays and stored at 5 degrees C for shelf-life and sensory studies. On the other hand, melon pieces were inoculated with a Salmonella Enteritidis (10(8) CFU/ml) culture before applying the coatings containing malic acid and EOs or their active compounds to safety study. Controls of fresh-cut melon non-coated or coated with EC without EOs were also prepared. EC was effective to improve shelf-life of fresh-cut melon from microbiological (up to 9.6 days) and physicochemical (>14 days) points of view in comparison with non-coated fresh-cut melon, where microbiological and physicochemical shelf-life was up to 3.6 days and lower than 14 days, respectively. In addition, the incorporation of EOs or their active compounds into the edible coating prolonged the microbiological shelf-life by more than 21 days in some cases due probably to an enhanced antimicrobial effect of malic acid+EOs; however, some fresh-cut melon characteristics were affected such as firmness and color causing a reduction of physicochemical shelf-life. Significant reductions (p<0.05) of S. Enteritidis population in inoculated coated fresh-cut melon were achieved, varying the effectiveness of the coatings depending on the EOs or the active compound and their concentrations. According to the results, palmarosa oil incorporated at 0.3% into the coating appear to be a promising preservation alternative for fresh-cut melon, since it had a good acceptation by panellists, maintained the fruit quality parameters, inhibited the native flora growth and reduced S. Enteritidis population.     

Using antibrowning agents to enhance quality and safety of fresh-cut avocado treated with intense light pulses

The effect of antibrowning compounds on the color and firmness of fresh-cut avocado treated with intense light pulses (ILP), as well as their impact on the survival of Listeria innocua, was investigated in this study. Dipping solutions containing 2% (w/v) L-cysteine without ascorbic acid and combined with 1% (w/v) citric acid and 1% w/v calcium lactate most effectively preserved the initial color and texture of ILP-treated fresh-cut avocado. On the other hand, ILP treatments caused a reduction of more than 3 log cycles in the populations of L. innocua inoculated on fresh-cut avocado. Log reduction levels increased when antibrowning agents were combined with ILP treatments. In conclusion, the use of quality-stabilizing agents is a good option to guarantee both the microbiological safety of fresh-cut avocado treated with ILP as well as to improve its physical and chemical quality. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Intense light pulses (ILP) have received considerable attention during the last years after its approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1996 as a decontamination method for food or food surfaces. This article presents relevant information regarding the effect of ILP treatments combined with quality-stabilizing compounds as a feasible alternative to improve the physical and chemical quality of fresh-cut avocado as well as to guarantee its microbiological safety.     

Quality changes in fresh-cut Fuji apple as affected by ripeness stage, antibrowning agents, and storage atmosphere

ABSTRACT:  The effect of ripening state, modified atmosphere, and the use of antibrowning agents was investigated in an attempt to determine optimum ripeness and processing conditions for extending the shelf-life of fresh-cut Fuji apple. Apples were classified in 3 groups: mature-green, partially ripe, and ripe; after peeling and slicing, fruits were treated with 1% (w/v) N -acetylcysteine, or 1% (w/v) ascorbic acid (control), and then packed into polypropylene trays with air or a gas mixture (2.5% O₂+ 7% CO₂+ 90.5% N₂) and sealed. Trays containing the apple slices were stored in darkness at 4 °C ± 1 °C and analyzed periodically during 43 d. Changes in atmosphere composition, color, and firmness were examined. Partially ripe apples, based on their lower ethanol production and maintenance of their original color and firmness, were the most suitable to prepare the fresh-cut commodities. A postcutting dip in 1% (w/v) N -acetylcysteine was the most effective treatment to prevent cut surface browning and preserve the initial appearance of Fuji apple slices during more than 1 mo at 4 °C. Low O₂ and elevated CO₂ (2.5% O₂+ 7% CO₂) atmosphere extended the shelf life of apple slices because of a significant inhibition of ethylene production.     

Optimizing the use of garlic oil as antimicrobial agent on fresh-cut tomato through a controlled release system

Encapsulation of garlic oil (GO) in β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) was undertaken to generate a release system of antimicrobial volatiles and tested on microbial growth and sensory quality of fresh-cut tomato. GO volatile profile was characterized by gas chromatography mass spectrometry and to demonstrate the disadvantages of applying free GO to fresh-cut tomato, the effect of different free oil treatments (0, 50, 100, and 200 μg/100 g) on microbial growth and sensorial quality was tested. The effect of GO capsules (0, 0.25, 0.5, and 1 g/100 g) on microbial growth and sensory quality of tomato was also investigated. Allyl disulfide was the most abundant GO compound identified. The release of volatiles from GO: β-CD capsules (12: 88 [w/w] ratio) was evaluated at 100% relative humidity (RH). Close to 70% of GO volatiles were released from capsules when exposed to 100% RH during 5 wk. The most effective antimicrobial concentrations of free oil (100 and 200 μg/100 g) applied to tomatoes did not present acceptable sensory quality for panelists. Tomato was affected by the highest concentration of GO capsules applied, showing the lowest microbial growth and the highest sensory quality. In this context, successful encapsulation in β-CD could stimulate further interest in the use of GO for the control of microbial growth in fresh-cut tomato. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The present study demonstrated that relative humidity in-package of fresh-cut tomatoes can be used as a trigger to release antimicrobial garlic oil volatiles from β-cyclodextrin capsules, reducing microbial growth and the sensory effect of the treatment caused by the free garlic oil. In this context, successful encapsulation in β-cyclodextrin could stimulate further interest in the use of garlic oil for the control of microbial growth in fresh-cut tomatoes.     

Effect of ripeness at processing on fresh-cut 'Flor de Invierno' pears packaged under modified atmosphere conditions

The effects of ripeness at processing and packaging conditions on respiration, microbiological stability as well as colour and firmness of fresh-cut 'Flor de Invierno' pears were evaluated throughout storage. Although a 2.5-kPa O₂ + 7-kPa CO₂ atmosphere led to an inhibition of ethylene synthesis and carbon dioxide production compared with non-modified atmosphere packaging, the more advanced the ripeness stage at processing, the higher the physiological activity and thus, the higher production of carbon dioxide, ethylene and ethanol. A 2.5-kPa O₂ + 7-kPa CO₂ atmosphere inhibited bacterial growth, yeast and mould proliferation in mature-green pears but fast microbial growth was observed especially on ripe pears, under both packaging conditions. In conclusion, the shelf-life of ripe pears was reduced by increased respiration response to processing and accelerated microbial spoilage. Instead, pears processed in a partially ripe stage were suitable for conservation while gathering desired sensory attributes. Therefore, for commercial purposes, a shelf-life of 10 days was suggested for partially ripe fresh-cut pears packaged under a 2.5-kPa O₂ + 7-kPa CO₂ atmosphere.     

Using mild heat treatment to improve the bioactive related compounds on fresh-cut green bell peppers

Bioactive related compounds of fresh-cut green bell peppers ( Capsicum annuum, L.) exposed to water immersion at 55 °C and 60 °C per 180 s were evaluated during storage. Their sensorial and microbial quality, acidity, sugar and chlorophyll content were also determined. Beneficial effects on sensorial attributes were observed in treated peppers with longer shelf life than in non-treated ones (5 days at 4 °C, 2 days at 10 °C). At the end of storage at 4 °C, phenols increased to 11% and quercetin and antioxidant capacity were retained, but in control peppers ascorbic acid dropped 16%. At 10 °C, there was no change in phenols; quercetin, ascorbic acid and antioxidant activity decreased (15%, 13% and 10% respectively) in treated peppers. Changes were more noticeable in non-treated products (phenols increased 21%, ascorbic acid decreased 28% and antioxidant activity 20%). Mild heat treatments applied to fresh-cut peppers seemed to preserve some of their bioactive compounds during storage.     

Quality of Fresh-cut Apple Slices as Affected by Low-dose Ionizing Radiation and Calcium Ascorbate Treatment

ABSTRACT: Although ionizing radiation effectively inactivates food-borne bacterial pathogens in fresh-cut fruits and vegetables, it may adversely affect product quality. In this study, the effects of calcium ascorbate (CaA) and ionizing radiation on quality of 'Gala' apple slices under modified atmosphere packaging were investigated. 'Gala' apple slices, treated with water or 7% CaA followed by either nonirradiation (0 kGy) or irradiation at 0.5 and 1.0 kGy, were stored at 10°C for up to 3 wk. The titratable acidity, pH, firmness, ascorbic acid content, color, and microflora population were measured weekly throughout storage. Irradiation did not affect titratable acidity and pH of sliced apples. Fruit slices softened during irradiation and storage, but this decrease in firmness during storage was reduced by the CaA treatment. Although the ascorbic acid content of apple slices treated with CaA decreased rapidly during storage, the ascorbic acid content was always higher in those treated samples than in the apple slices treated with water. Irradiation decreased both L * and hue values of apple slices. Hue values decreased during the entire storage period while L * increased during the 1st wk of storage, then decreased between 1 to 3 wk of storage. CaA increased L * and hue values of apple slices, suggesting CaA reduced browning, even in irradiated samples. The microflora population of apples slices was not affected by CaA, and CaA treatment did not alter the reduction in microflora by irradiation. The combination of CaA and irradiation enhanced microbial food safety while maintaining quality of fresh-cut apple slices.     

Effects of postharvest UV‐C treatment on carotenoids and phenolic compounds of vine‐ripe tomatoes

Light red tomatoes were exposed to different doses of ultraviolet C (UV‐C) irradiation (1.0, 3.0 and 12.2 kJ m^?2). After treatment, the tomatoes were stored for 2 days at room temperature, and then analysed to determine the effect of irradiation on the main antioxidants, carotenoids and phenolic compounds and the results compared with the control samples. The lycopene content was found to have increased by 14% with respect to the control samples, while β‐carotene decreased. Cis‐isomers from lycopene also increased when the tomatoes were exposed to irradiation for more than 3 h. UV‐C irradiation also had a positive effect on total phenolic compounds; however, the same effect was not observed in the individually analysed phenolic compounds. While chlorogenic and ferulic acids increased in content, naringenin and rutin contents decreased. These results suggest that UV‐C irradiation of tomatoes could improve the beneficial effect of red tomatoes for human health by increasing the levels of certain bioactive compounds; it could also be used to obtain higher content of bioavailability components, such as cis‐isomers from lycopene.     

Effect of cassava starch coating on quality and shelf life of fresh-cut pineapple (Ananas comosus L. Merril cv "Pérola")

This research studied the influence of treatment with ascorbic acid, citric acid, and calcium lactate dipping and cassava starch edible coatings on quality parameters and shelf life of fresh-cut pineapple in slices during 12 d at 5 °C. After previous tests, the treatments selected for this study were samples dipped into antibrowning solution with 0.5% of ascorbic acid and 1% of citric acid, with and without 2% of calcium lactate and coated with 2% of cassava starch suspensions. Changes in weight loss, juice leakage, mechanical properties (stress at failure), color parameters (L* and H*), ascorbic acid content, sensory acceptance, and microbial growth of fruits were evaluated. Samples only treated with antibrowning agents were used as control. Edible coatings with and without calcium lactate were efficient in reducing weight loss, juice leakage, and maintaining firmness during storage. However, these samples showed more browning and the ascorbic acid content was reduced. All treatments presented good sensory acceptance (scores above 6). The determining factor of shelf life of pineapple slices was the microbial spoilage. A shelf life of 8 d was obtained for pineapple slices only treated with antibrowning agents. On the other hand, coated samples showed a reduced shelf life of 7 d and higher yeast and mold growth. Thus, although cassava starch coatings were efficient in reducing respiration rate, weight loss, and juice leakage and maintained mechanical properties, these treatments were not able to increase the shelf life of minimally processed pineapple. Practical Application: Pineapple fruit is highly appreciated for its aroma, flavor, and juiciness, but its immediate consumption is difficult. Therefore, pineapple is a potential fruit for minimal processing. However, shelf life of fresh-cut pineapple is very limited by changes in color, texture, appearance, off-flavors, and microbial growth. The use of edible coatings as gas and water vapor barrier and antibrowning agents can extend the storage time and maintain the quality of fresh-cut produce. Cassava starch and alginate coatings are alternative to preserve minimally processed pineapples without changing the quality parameters of fresh fruit. Thus, this study is useful for consumers and fresh-cut industry interested in knowing factors affecting shelf life and quality of fresh-cut pineapple.     

Maintaining postharvest quality of fresh produce with volatile compounds

The postharvest quality of strawberry (Fragaria ananassa Duch.) and tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L.) fruit was evaluated after treatment with eucalyptus (Ec: Eucalyptus globulus L.) and cinnamon (Cn: Cinnamomum zeylanicum, Blume) volatile oil compounds and storage at 13 °C during or following vapour exposure. Fruit decay decreased in fruit treated with oil vapours and transfer to ‘ambient air’ (AA). Cn-treated tomato maintained fruit firmness during exposure, but the effects were not persistent following storage to AA. However, no effects on fruit firmness were observed for Ec-treated tomato and strawberry-treated with Ec-and Cn-vapours. Oil vapours stimulated levels of total soluble solids during exposure but effects were persistent only for ‘cherry’ tomatoes following exposure. Fruit samples treated with oil vapours did not differ in percentage weight loss, organic acid content, sweetness and total phenolic content during or following vapour exposure compared with untreated fruit. The results suggest that essential oil vapour may improve fruit quality-related attributes on top of the well-documented antimicrobial protection during fresh produce storage and transit.