PTR-MS real time monitoring of the emission of volatile organic compounds during postharvest aging of berryfruit

A. never method, based on proton transfer reaction-mass spectrometry (PTR-MS) was used to monitor the postharvest aging of strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, blueberries, and white and red currants by real time detection of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the headspace of the fruits. The observed intensities of emission for the different identified compounds, and their ratios as well, as their rate of evolution, showed definite, berry-specific, behaviour. Very high sensitivity (sub-ppb level) combined with real time detection of a large variety of compounds makes PTR-MS very promising for studies dealing with quality assessment and preservation of fruits.