Influence of active modified atmosphere packaging using silica gel and potassium permanganate on quality and shelf life of strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) cv. Nabila under ambient storage

The present study investigated the influence of active modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) on the quality and shelf life of strawberries ( Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) cv. Nabila under ambient winter storage conditions. Freshly harvested fruits were packaged using low-density polyethylene (LDPE), biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP), corrugated fiberboard (CFB), and aluminum foil containers, with silica gel and potassium permanganate used as active components, and compared with an untreated control. Parameters evaluated for fruit quality assessment included physiological weight loss, firmness, total soluble solids, titratable acidity, sugars, anthocyanin content, ascorbic acid, total phenols, antioxidant activity, and decay incidence. Overall, active MAP treatments effectively reduced quality deterioration and decay compared to the control, as evidenced by improved retention of physical and biochemical attributes during storage. These findings highlight the potential of active MAP as a practical, low-cost technology for prolonging strawberry freshness and supporting improved postharvest handling and distribution under ambient conditions. • Active MAP extended the shelf life of strawberry cv. Nabila under ambient storage. • LDPE bags with silica gel and KMnO₄ reduced weight loss and firmness loss. • MAP treatments preserved sugars, anthocyanins, ascorbic acid, and antioxidants. • Silica gel limited moisture loss, while KMnO₄ reduced decay via ethylene control. • LDPE-based packaging outperformed BOPP, CFB, and aluminum foil systems.