The effects of different washing solutions and packaging films on textural, biochemical and microbial quality of green slender peppers (Capsicum annuum L.) were evaluated. Fresh pepper samples were packaged either in 35 µm polypropylene or polyethylene bag without washing or after washing in tap water (TW), 100-ppm chlorine solution, 0.5% calcinated calcium solution followed by 25% ethanol rinsing (CC+E) and 1% citric acid solution followed by 50% ethanol spray (CA+E) and then stored at 10 for 4 weeks. Significant differences were found in gas composition between the two packaging films. Changes in skin puncture force, hue angle, soluble solid content, titratable acidity and pH were statistically insignificant. Chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and total chlorophyll content declined significantly (P < 0.05) in all treatments during storage. Significant reduction (P < 0.05) in aerobic plate count was found in all washing treatments compared to unwashed sample except in TW. Yeast and mold count of chlorine and CC+E-treated samples were lower than other treatments. Samples of these two treatments also received marketable limit of visual quality scores until 4 weeks of storage in polypropylene film. Results suggest that CC+E could be a potential sanitizer and alternative to chlorine washing and polypropylene film would provide a little better advantage than polyethylene for green slender pepper.
Keywords: Packaging; chlorophyll content; films; microbial growth; sanitizer; storage.