Cold storage could increase shelf life of chili pepper (Capsicum annum)but too long a period of storage could adversely affect shelf life during subsequent holding at ambient. This study determined the effects of different durations of cold storage on the shelf life during subsequent ambient holding of organic chili cv. ‘Superhot’ applied with hot water dip and active packaging. Organic chili pepper at the full-red stage were dipped in 50°C water for 4 min and then packed in 32-34 µm-thick polyethylene (PE) bag with micro-perforations (Active PACK^TM). The fruit were cold-stored at 10^oC with 95% RH for 4-16 days and then held at ambient (25^oC, 75% RH) to simulate the distribution and marketing period.  Cold storage of 12 days is the best duration in prolonging fruit shelf life at ambient by about four days more than that of the control. Longer duration of cold storage shortened the shelf life due to increased weight loss and decay.

Keywords: Postharvest Management, Fruit Storability, Combined Technology