Background and Objectives: Edible parts of pomegranate fruits are a rich source of bioactive compounds. The present research examines the effect of modified atmosphere packaging on the fruit physico-chemical and microbial properties of two commercial pomegranate cultivars grown in Iran.

Materials and Methods: The arils were packaged and stored under four different atmospheres. All of the packaged samples were stored at 4 °C for 15 days.

Results: The results revealed an increase in total acidity of all treatments. The highest total soluble solid (TSS) was observed in ‘Yousef-Khani’­ stored in 10% O₂ + 15% CO₂, while ‘Malas-e-Saveh’ treated with 20% O₂ + 5% CO₂ showed the highest degree of TSS. The mean value of a* in ‘Malas-e-Saveh’ arils packed with normal and (15% O₂ + 10% CO₂ + 75% N₂) atmosphere increased significantly. The L* showed a decrease in ‘Yousef-Khani’­. Total phenolic compounds gradually increased during storage. After storage, decreases in total anthocyanin contents ranged from 12 to 30% for ‘Yousef-Khani’­. The overall antioxidant activity of arils in ‘Yousef-Khani’ showed a 6-15% increase during storage. However, a reverse effect was observed for ‘Malas-e-Saveh’. The lowest microbial counts were recorded under the atmosphere containing 10 and 15% CO₂.

Conclusions: Packaging of ‘Malas-e-Saveh’ arils in 15% O₂ + 10% CO₂ and ‘Yousef-Khani’ in 15% O₂ + 10% CO₂ or 10% O₂ + 15% CO₂ is recommended to extend the shelf-life of ready-to-eat arils.

Keywords: Pomegranate, Modified atmosphere, Phenolic compounds, Anthocyanin, Antioxidant activity