Asik, IremCaner, CengizYuceer, MuhammedPala, Cigdem Uysal2026-02-032026-02-0320251935-51301935-5149https://doi.org/10.1007/s11947-025-04049-4https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12428/34912Ozone application is recognized for its eco-friendly, efficient, and cost-effective nature, making it a practical and prospective approach for increasing the storability of fresh produce. This study researched the synergistic impacts of ozone (5, 10, and 20 ppm) pretreatment and equilibrium-modified atmosphere packaging (EMAP) on the postharvest quality parameters of organic-labeled fresh aronia berries (Aronia melanocarpa cv. Nero) for 120 days at 4 degrees C. The key quality parameters are the composition of the gas in trays, weight loss, total soluble solids, pH, surface color, texture profile, spoilage rate, bioactive contents, and antioxidant properties. By the end of storage, the ozonated groups (10-20 ppm) showed significantly reduced spoilage rates of 6-8%, respectively, compared to 12-19% in the untreated control groups (P < 0.05). The combination of 5-10 ppm ozone pretreatment and sealing with microperforated polypropylene (PP) film was significantly effective in inhibiting fruit softening and retaining hardness at 379-375 gf, respectively, approximately a 16% reduction from initial values, which was significantly better than the 25% loss observed in the microperforated control (P < 0.05). Anthocyanin extractability significantly increased with 20 ppm ozone treatment (627 mg cyn 3-glu/100 g) when compared to untreated control groups (472 and 476 mg cyn 3-glu/100 g) on the initial day (P < 0.05). Among all the application groups, the 10 and 20 ppm ozone pretreatment groups demonstrated significant potential for preserving anthocyanins in aronia berries during storage. Additionally, ozone pretreatment positively influenced antioxidant properties based on CUPRAC values. These outcomes underline that the combination of ozone pretreatment and microperforated PP lid film packaging significantly enhances the cold storage stability and nutraceutical qualities of aronia fruits.eninfo:eu-repo/semantics/closedAccessAronia melanocarpaOzone pretreatmentEquilibrium-modified atmosphere packaging (EMAP)Postharvest qualityTexture profile analysisNutraceutical compoundsArticle1812106361065410.1007/s11947-025-04049-4Q1WOS:0015901530000012-s2.0-105018320478Q1