EFFECT OF POLYETHYLENE PACKING BAGS ON THE STARCH BEHAVIOR IN THE CONSERVATION MATURATION PERIOD OF BANANA PULP CULTIVAR “PRATA” (Musa sp.)

Abstract

In this experiment, the behavior of starch in the pulp of banana Prata (Musa sp.), was studied under the following treatments: bananas without packing, perforated plastic, perforated plastic with an absorbent, unperforated plastic, unperforated plastic containing an absorbent. The treated bananas, were shelved at 22 ± 1°C and a relative humidity of 90 ± 3%. Every 2 days, samples of each treatment were collected and analysis were made. With the help of statistical analyses of the data, the following conclusions were reached: a. The packaging with polyethylene delays the starch breakdown, but does not impede its transformation. b. The percentage of starch of the pulp remains constant until a given moment, which varies with each treatment, when its variation begins. c. The use of the ethylene, absorbent, in the unperforated plastic packaging, delays more the outset of the starch breakdown, but doesn't prevent the fruits from becoming spoiled and unsuitable for consumption.