Packagings for the transportation of persimmon and their effects on sensory characteristics

Abstract

The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of different packagings for the transportation of the Rama Forte persimmon (Diospyros kaki) cultivar on the sensory characteristics and consumer acceptance of the product during storage. Three types of packagings were evaluated: wooden crate; cardboard boxes; and a new packaging made of recycled polyethylene thermos-injected structure with 10% fodder fiber associated with a polypropylene tray, thermoformed in the exclusive design for persimmon. Check-all-that-apply (Cata) questions were used for the sensory characterization of fruits, revealing differences among samples throughout storage time regarding persimmon sensory attributes and consumer preference. Consumer acceptance of fruits from the wooden crate and cardboard box decreased from the first and fifth day onwards, respectively, as storage time progressed, differing from those from the new packaging, whose appearance was liked up to the ninth day. Persimmon transported in the new packaging showed superior quality throughout shelf life. The new packaging, with an appropriate design, maintains the sensory characteristics of persimmon for a longer time than the other studied packagings.