Effects of Storage Containers on Postharvest Properties of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.)

This study investigated the effect of three storage containers on postharvest properties of tomato fruits under ambient temperature, 30 ± 3°C and relative humidity, 70 ± 3%. In Nigeria, the main issues with tomato preservation are loss of quality and shortened shelf life. Postharvest storage containers are important for maintaining the quality of tomato fruits in marketing chains and consumption. Raffia baskets, plastic bowls and Ziploc bags were used to store tomato fruits for seven days. The experiment was arranged in a completely randomized design with four replications. Data was taken on weight loss, dry matter, moisture content, pH, total ash content and colour. Results revealed that the storage containers had significant (p<0.05) effect on dry matter, moisture content and weight loss of the tomato fruits. Tomato fruits stored in raffia basket, plastic bowl and Ziploc bag gave moisture content of 92.13%, 93.07% and 92.97% at seven days of storage, respectively. There was no significant difference (p˃0.05) in the effects of the three storage containers on total ash content and pH of the tomato fruits. For efficient storage without excessive deterioration, plastic bowls were considered the best storage container for improved shelf-life of tomato fruits.