Combined Effects of 1-MCP and Modified Atmosphere Packaging on Flavor Quality and Volatile Profile of Cold-Stored Strawberries Revealed by Untargeted GC-MS Analysis

  • Yukang Gu
  • , Minghui Xu
  • , Jun Liu
  • , Juan Kan
  • , Man Zhang
  • , Lixia Xiao
  • , Xiaodong Yang
  • , Xiaohua Qi
  • , Chunlu Qian

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

Strawberries are highly perishable despite their popularity, as their limited shelf life compromises both freshness and market value. The study investigated the effects of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP), modified atmosphere packaging (MAP), and their combined treatments on the quality and flavor of strawberries during cold storage and simulated shelf life. 1-MCP was applied by enclosing strawberry fruits in a hermetically sealed container and exposing them to 250 nL/L 1-MCP at 20 °C for 18 h. Three initial MAP gas compositions were tested: MAP1 (5% O2, 15% CO2, 80% N2), MAP2 (10% O2, 10% CO2, 80% N2), and MAP3 (15% O2, 5% CO2, 80% N2), with MAP1 identified as optimal based on strawberry postharvest quality metrics. The results showed that all treatments could inhibit the deterioration of strawberry quality, and the 1-MCP + MAP treatment had the best fresh-keeping effect. Untargeted Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis identified 85 volatile compounds, and sensory correlation analysis revealed that 1-MCP + MAP-treated strawberries maintained the highest consumer acceptability, with odor characteristics closely resembling those of pre-storage controls. Further studies demonstrated that the combined treatment uniquely suppressed the generation of fatty acid oxidation-derived volatiles while stabilizing critical aroma-active esters, thereby decelerating flavor degradation. Collectively, these findings highlight the potential of 1-MCP + MAP as a postharvest strategy to delay the postharvest senescence of strawberries and maintain their storage quality. GC-MS provided a scientific method for the flavor quality evaluation of this preservation technology.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number2936
JournalFoods
Volume14
Issue number17
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 2025

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Food Science
  • Microbiology
  • Health(social science)
  • Health Professions (miscellaneous)
  • Plant Science

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