Metabolomic Insights into Apple Responses to Sepiolite-Based Active Packaging and Modified Atmosphere Storage for Shelf-Life Extension

Abstract The development of innovative and sustainable postharvest strategies to preserve fruit quality is a major challenge in the fresh produce chain. In this study, we evaluated a chitosan–cassava starch film enriched with sepiolite, used as an active packaging, alone and combined with modified atmosphere (MA; 1% O₂, 50% CO₂), to extend the shelf life of apples. Quality traits (color, texture, pH) were monitored up to 60 days and integrated with untargeted UHPLC–QTOF metabolomics on peel and pulp. Sepiolite film (SF) and MA both delayed softening and browning at room temperature, compared with the control. Furthermore, the MA + SF combination maintained peel hardness levels comparable to those of low‐temperature storage after 60 days, highlighting the potential of this strategy to preserve postharvest apple quality under ambient conditions at levels comparable to refrigerated storage. Metabolomics highlighted a significant time-dependent reprogramming of the apple metabolome, with storage driving extensive changes in membrane lipids and specialized metabolites. SF promoted the accumulation of phenylpropanoids, phytohormones, and vitamins, suggesting improved membrane stability and antioxidant capacity. MA further modulated primary and functional metabolism, notably modulating jasmonate‐related compounds, flavonoids, and several B and E vitamins. AMOPLS analysis indicated that atmosphere factor was the main driver of metabolic variance in peel, whereas both atmosphere and sepiolite significantly contributed in pulp. Overall, sepiolite-based active film combined with modified atmospheres represents a promising bio-based approach for ambient postharvest preservation of apples.