The objective of the research was to determine an optimum method of postharvest handling of sweet cherry fruits which may contribute to prolonged shelf-life. The following physical factors were examined – storage temperature: 2–4°C, 6–8°C, 18–20°C; postharvest fruit packaging and treatment: Xtend® CH-49 bags + no exposure to UV-C, Xtend® + exposure to UV-C for 120 s or 600 s, no bagging + no exposure to UV-C, no bagging + UV-C for 120 s or 600 s. UV-C irradiation, regardless of the duration and storage conditions, prolonged the storage life of sweet cherry fruit. During the 14-day period of storage, the smallest weight loss as well as the highest number of fruits suitable for consumption were found after exposure to UV-C for 600 s in both Xtend® bags and flat, exposed polyethylene containers. After 28 days, higher amount of fruits suitable for consumption were found after storage at 2–4°C than at 6–8ºC. The most advantageous postharvest treatment method was placing fruits in containers and irradiating them with UV-C for 600 s. However, statistically similar results were obtained also after packing the fruits in Xtend® bags and irradiating them with UV-C for 600 s as well as placing them in containers and irradiation with UV-C for 120 s. In addition, UV-C irradiated fruits for 120 s and 600 s contained significantly more reducing sugars than non-irradiated fruits after 14 days of storage. UV-C irradiated fruits for 600 s also contained the greatest amount of flavonoids. After 28 days of storage, the highest content of flavonoids and phenols was determined in UV-C exposed fruits stored in containers. In addition, it emerged that storing sweet cherry fruit at 2–4°C without bagging contributed to increased total phenolic content compared with fruit stored in Xtend® bags. Packaging cherry fruit in Xtend® bags is the most reasonable when it stored at 6–8°C and at room temperature.
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