Effects of modified atmosphere packaging on Allium tuncelianum (Tunceli garlic) shelf life and quality

In this study, the effect of modified atmosphere packaging method on shelf life and quality preservation of Tunceli garlic (Allium tuncelianum) was investigated by packing Tunceli garlic (Allium tuncelianum), which is one of the endemic plant species in our country, with modified atmosphere packaging method. For this purpose, Tunceli garlic (Allium tuncelianum) collected by the local people in the Tunceli region was packaged in the Instrumental Laboratory of Munzur University Faculty of Engineering, using a modified atmosphere packaging device.Tunceli garlic was divided into 3 different groups as the unpackaged control group and the modified atmosphere packaged group A and B. During the packaging process, atmospheric air was removed from the packages by applying vacuum for 10 seconds, and then the package was packed under a modified atmosphere by giving 5% O2 - 5% CO2 (Group A) and 3% O2 and - 8% CO2 (Group B) gas mixtures for 11 seconds. Containers used as packaging material are made of PET (Polyethylene terephthalate) and PE (Polyethylene) material. In order to close the packages, they were stored for 28 days using packaging material made of polypropylene (PP). During storage, weight loss (%), color analysis, dry matter (%), titratable acidity (TED) amount (% citric acid), pH, ash determination, phenolic substance amount, fruit flesh hardness, germination amount. The changes in some quality components such as (%) were examined. According to the research findings, there was a decrease in weight loss, phenolic substance amount, dry matter amount, pH, titratable acidity values, while an increase was observed in ash amount, color values and germination amount. It was concluded that the high water activity value and fruit flesh hardness value did not change during storage in products packaged with modified atmosphere. As a result of both this study and previous studies, it has been concluded that the modified atmosphere packaging method is a successful method in extending the shelf life of products and preserving their quality. Additionally, it is recommended to test different materials and different gas rates in modified atmosphere packaging applications in order to extend shelf life in future research.