A novel combined high-pressure CO2 technology preserves quality and enhances health-promoting properties of fresh-cut organic cantaloupe melon

The impact of an innovative preservation technology, combining high-pressure processing with CO2 modified atmosphere packaging (HPMAPCO2), on the quality, bioactive profile, and nutritional bioaccessibility of fresh-cut organic cantaloupe melon during 21 days of refrigerated storage is shown. Compared to conventional air packaging (MAPair) and modified atmosphere alone (MAPCO2), the treatment demonstrated a superior capacity to preserve the raw material’s freshness and physicochemical stability (ΔE values ∼47% lower in HPMAPCO2 sample after 21 days). Although high pressure initially induced minor changes in color and Brix due to tissue structural modifications, it effectively limited enzymatic browning by significantly reducing polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity (∼23% PPO activity reduction due to the HPMAPCO2 treatment). Nutritional analyses revealed that it better preserved antioxidant capacity (ORAC values ∼28% and ∼10% higher in HPMAPCO2 sample respect to MAPair and MAPCO2, respectively, after 21 days) and key bioactive compounds, including β-carotene (∼40% higher in HPMAPCO2 sample after 21 days). Notably, the treatment enhanced the bioaccessibility of polyphenols (∼13% higher in HPMAPCO2 sample after 21 days) and DPPH antioxidants (∼29% higher in HPMAPCO2 sample after 21 days) during simulated gastrointestinal digestion, likely due to the pressure-induced disruption of cell walls and chromoplast membranes. Furthermore, it proved most effective in maintaining soluble sugar levels (sucrose, glucose, and fructose) and preserving essential minerals (K, Ca, P, Na, Mg). Sensory evaluation confirmed that this synergistic approach maintains superior aroma, texture, and overall acceptability, positioning as a promising technology for extending the shelf-life and enhancing the health-promoting properties of ready-to-eat fruit products.