Effects of carboxymethyl cellulose and chitosan bilayer edible coating on postharvest quality of citrus fruit

There is increasing public interest in development of edible natural biodegradable coatings to replace the currently used commercial synthetic waxes for maintaining postharvest quality of citrus fruit. We tested the efficacy of a newly developed polysaccharide-based edible bilayer coating comprising carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and chitosan in preserving postharvest quality of various citrus fruit, including ‘Or’ and ‘Mor’ mandarins, ‘Navel’ oranges, and ‘Star Ruby’ grapefruit after simulated storage and marketing. In all citrus species, it was found that the CMC/chitosan bilayer coating was equally effective as the commercial polyethylene wax in enhancing fruit gloss. Furthermore, the CMC/chitosan bilayer coating slightly increased fruit firmness, especially of oranges and grapefruit, but was mostly not effective in preventing post-storage weight loss. Both the CMC/chitosan bilayer coating and the commercial wax had no significant effects on juice total soluble solids and acidity levels, and had similar effects on gas permeability, as indicated by only slight increases in internal CO₂ levels and in juice ethanol accumulation after storage. Sensory analyses revealed that neither the CMC/chitosan bilayer coating nor the commercial wax coating had any deleterious effects on flavor preference of ‘Navel’ orange and ‘Star Ruby’ grapefruit. However, application of the commercial wax, and moreover the CMC/chitosan bilayer coating, resulted in a gradual decrease in flavor acceptability of ‘Or’ and ‘Mor’ mandarins because of increased perception of off-flavors. Overall, we showed that the CMC/chitosan bilayer edible coating sufficiently enhanced fruit gloss, but was not effective in preventing postharvest weight loss. Furthermore, flavor quality was slightly impaired in mandarins but not in oranges and grapefruit.     

Effect of antifungal hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC)–lipid edible composite coatings on postharvest decay development and quality attributes of cold-stored ‘Valencia’ oranges

Edible composite coatings based on hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), hydrophobic components (beeswax and shellac), and food preservatives with antifungal properties were evaluated on ‘Valencia’ oranges during long-term cold storage. Selected food preservatives included potassium sorbate (PS), sodium benzoate (SB), sodium propionate (SP), and their mixtures. Intact oranges or oranges artificially inoculated with Penicillium digitatum or Penicillium italicum were coated and stored up to 60 d at 5 °C followed by 7 d of shelf-life at 20 °C. Some antifungal HPMC–lipid coatings significantly reduced incidence and severity of both green (GM) and blue (BM) molds on inoculated and cold-stored oranges, and PS + SP-based coating was the most effective. In general, the coatings controlled GM better than BM. After 30 and 60 d at 5 °C plus 7 d at 20 °C, fruit weight loss, rind firmness, internal gas concentrations, ethanol and acetaldehyde contents of the juice, sensory flavor, off-flavor, and fruit appearance were not adversely affected by application of the antifungal coatings, which showed promise as potential substitutes for citrus commercial waxes. However, further studies should follow to improve some coating physical characteristics in order to provide better water loss control and higher gloss on coated oranges.     

不同处理方式对黄花梨果实贮藏效果的影响

摘要：本文研究了在低温下（0℃）不同的保鲜方式,不同成熟度的黄花梨果实,不同的采收方式等因素对黄花梨果实贮藏效果的影响。实验结果表明：在0℃下,黄花梨果实的呼吸高峰推迟,果实硬度维持时间较长,腐烂率明显下降,有效地延长了黄花梨果实的贮藏时间。而且,黄花梨果实在八成熟时选择阴天采摘,在0℃下可以贮藏85天以上,且品质较好。     

Combined effects of sodium chlorite dip treatment and chitosan coatings on the quality of fresh-cut d’Anjou pears

This study evaluated the effects of sodium chlorite (SC) alone and its sequential treatment with edible coatings on browning inhibition and quality maintenance of fresh-cut d’Anjou pears. Edible coatings were prepared from chitosan (CH) and its water-soluble derivative carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCH), separately. Pear wedges were immersed in SC solution, followed by coating with CH or CMCH solutions. The samples were packed in unsealed bags and stored at 4 °C for subsequent color, firmness, and weight loss measurement. The effects of the SC and coating treatments on polyphenol oxidase (PPO) inhibition and microbial inactivation were also evaluated. Results indicated that SC exhibited significant (P < 0.05) inhibition of browning and PPO activity. The SC treatment was also strongly effective in inactivating Escherichia coli O157:H7 on pear slices. Coating SC-treated pear slices with CH adversely affected the quality of pear slices by accelerating the discoloration of cut surfaces and increasing the PPO activity. On the contrary, coating SC-treated samples with CMCH significantly prevented the browning reaction and inhibited PPO activity. In addition, SC and CH/CMCH coatings maintained tissue firmness and did not affect weight loss. Our study may provide a scientific basis for the use of SC + CMCH treatment as an alternative preservation treatment for fresh-cut fruits and vegetables.     

Impact of edible coatings and mild heat shocks on quality of minimally processed broccoli (Brassica oleracea L.) during refrigerated storage

The effects of edible coatings and mild heat shocks on quality aspects of refrigerated broccoli were studied. Minimally processed broccoli was coated with either chitosan or carboxymethyl-cellulose with or without a previous application of a mild heat shock of 1.5 min at 50 °C. Product was packaged in multilayered polyolefin bags and stored at 5 °C for 18 d. Quality parameters such as weight loss, texture, colour, ascorbic acid content, total chlorophyll content, oxygen concentration inside the bags, browning potential, mesophilic aerobic counts, and sensory quality, were evaluated during storage. Edible coatings exhibited a beneficial impact on broccoli quality. The weight loss in uncoated broccoli was found to be between 2 and 5 times higher compared to coated samples. During storage, coated florets from both thermally and non-thermally treated samples, presented higher retention of the (?a*/b*) ratio indicating better green colour retention and a reduced rate of floret yellowing. Chitosan coating always presented the lower ascorbic acid degradation rates (twofold lower compared with control samples). Broccoli texture for uncoated samples increased significantly during storage. However, for carboxymethyl-cellulose coated broccoli a slight increase in texture was observed while for chitosan coated broccoli no significant changes in texture were observed throughout the storage period. After the edible coating application the microbial broccoli load dropped by around 1.5 and 0.9 logarithmic units in chitosan and carboxymethyl-cellulose films, respectively. During storage, the application of chitosan coating significantly reduced total microbial counts in the thermally and non-thermally treated uncoated samples. Among the assayed edible coatings, chitosan effectively maintained quality attributes and extended shelf life of minimally processed broccoli. The single application of a mild heat shock had a measurable influence in reducing weight loss, enzymatic browning in broccoli stems, and in delaying yellowing of broccoli florets. Moreover, chitosan coating combined with a mild heat shock showed the best performance for long-term refrigerated storage of minimally processed broccoli.     

Postharvest quality of peeled prickly pear fruit treated with acetic acid and chitosan

White (Opuntia albicarpa) and red (Opuntia ficus-indica) prickly pears were peeled and submerged in chitosan solutions containing different concentrations of acetic acid (1.0 or 2.5%) to obtain ready-to-eat prickly pear products. Some physicochemical (pH, total soluble solids, color, weight loss, and firmness), antioxidant (phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity), microbiological (aerobic mesophile bacteria and yeasts plus molds), and sensory (color, firmness, aroma, flavor, and overall acceptance) characteristics were assessed during 16 d of storage at 4 ± 1 °C and 85 ± 5% of relative humidity. Chitosan coating containing 1.0% of acetic acid delayed weight loss, maintained firmness and color of white prickly pear during the storage time. Most of the sensory values for white prickly pear coated with chitosan containing 1.0 and 2.5% of acetic acid were higher than those obtained for uncoated fruit. Red prickly pear coated with chitosan with 2.5% acetic acid did not maintain its sensory quality throughout 16 d of storage. Chitosan coating with 1 and 2.5% acetic acid did not affect phenolics content and antioxidant activity in white prickly pears; however, an increase of these compounds was observed in red prickly pears. Microbe populations were unchanged in white prickly pears (<10 CFU g⁻¹) and slightly increased in red prickly pears (10–500 CFU g⁻¹) coated with chitosan during the entire storage time.     

Effect of antifungal hydroxypropyl methylcellulose-beeswax edible coatings on gray mold development and quality attributes of cold-stored cherry tomato fruit

Edible composite coatings based on hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), beeswax (BW), and food preservatives with antifungal properties, were evaluated on cherry tomatoes during cold storage. Food preservatives selected from previous research work included sodium propionate (SP), potassium carbonate (PC), ammonium phosphate (APh) and ammonium carbonate (AC). Cherry tomatoes artificially inoculated with Botrytis cinerea were coated and stored up to 15 d at 5 °C followed by 7 d of shelf-life at 20 °C. All antifungal HPMC-BW coatings significantly reduced gray mold development on inoculated and cold-stored cherry tomatoes, the SP-based coating being the most effective. Analytical and sensory fruit quality was also evaluated after cold storage and shelf-life. The AC-based coating was the most effective to control weight loss and maintain the firmness of coated cherry tomatoes. Respiration rate, firmness, color, sensory flavor, off-flavor, and fruit appearance were not adversely affected by the application of the antifungal coatings. Overall, the application of HPMC-BW edible composite coatings containing AC could be a promising treatment to extend the postharvest life of cherry tomatoes. Further studies should focus on the modification of some physical characteristics of the coatings in order to enhance the general performance and provide higher peel gloss.     

壳聚糖涂膜对蒲菜采后生理及品质的影响

在蒲菜贮藏过程中，通过评价其外观品质及测定其失重率、腐烂指数、维生素C含量、纤维素含量和多酚氧化酶活性等指标，研究壳聚糖涂膜对蒲菜采后生理和品质的影响。结果表明：蒲菜在采后前20d维生素C含量迅速下降，失重率和纤维素含量上升较快，10d后腐烂迅速增加，而多酚氧化酶活性呈“低－高－低”变化。壳聚糖涂膜能抑制蒲菜储藏期间的蒸腾失水和多酚氧化酶活性，保持较低的纤维素含量和较高的维生素C含量，从而延缓蒲菜的衰老与品质下降，延长储藏寿命，达到保鲜目的。     

Effect of harvest maturity on quality of fresh-cut pear salad

Texture of an unripe pear is firm and crisp, similar to an apple. However, at the crisp stage, the flavor of pears is flat. This study evaluated the effect of harvest maturity on the quality of fresh-cut pear salad. Fruit were harvested at commercial maturity and 1-month delayed. After 2 and 5 months (1 and 4 months for delayed-harvest fruit) storage at ?1 °C, fruit were sliced into 8–12 wedges per fruit, dipped in an antibrowning solution, packaged in Ziploc bags and stored at 1 °C for up to 21 d. Delayed-harvest fruit were larger in size (≈20% increase in weight), had lower flesh firmness (≈17% decrease), lower titratable acidity content (≈20% decrease), and lower phenolic content (≈45% and 13% decreases in pulp and peel, respectively). There was no significant difference in soluble solids content. After 2 months storage, ethylene production and respiration rate were initially lower in the slices from delayed-harvest fruit, but tended to become similar after 7 d in storage at 1 °C. Delayed-harvest fruit had lower hydroxycinnamic acids and flavanols, and higher ester, alcohol, and aldehyde volatile compounds after 2–5 months storage. The results indicated that fruit salad produced with delayed-harvest pears had less browning potential and better flavor. Sensory evaluation results showed that about 80% of the panel liked slices from delayed-harvest fruit over commercial harvested, especially in terms of visual quality (65–85%), sweetness (75–95%), taste (70–80%), and overall quality (75–80%) during 21 d storage at 1 °C. The cut surface of slices appeared dry in delayed-harvest fruit when processed after 5 months in storage. However, sensory evaluation showed that panels still preferred the delayed-harvest fruit.     

减压贮藏对杨梅果实采后品质的影响

为探讨杨梅果实在减压条件下的贮藏效果,以“安海变”杨梅为试材,对其进行减压(0.05 MPa)处理,并于2~4℃下贮藏,定期观察杨梅果实采后品质的变化,同时对果实呼吸强度、可溶性固形物(TSS)、总糖、可滴定酸、pH、失重率、好果率进行分析对比。结果表明:减压处理能有效抑制杨梅果实冷藏期间的呼吸强度,延缓其TSS、总糖、可滴定酸含量的下降和失重率的上升,提高采后杨梅贮藏效果,使其在贮藏第16天时好果率仍保持在90%以上。这说明减压贮藏能较好地保持杨梅果实采后品质,延长其贮藏期、供应期。     

纳米果蜡和1-MCP处理对“新红星”苹果贮藏效果的影响

以"新红星"苹果为试材,在常温条件下分别研究了果蜡涂膜保鲜,1-甲基环丙烯(1-MCP)熏蒸,以及1-MCP与果蜡涂膜保鲜共复合处理的贮藏效果。结果表明,1-MCP与果蜡涂膜的复合处理能有效地降低"新红星"苹果的质量损失率,抑制果实硬度、可溶性固形物和可滴定酸含量的下降,降低其呼吸强度及乙烯释放量,延缓果实衰老,较好地保持了果实在采后贮藏期间的品质。     

Postharvest sweet cherry quality and safety maintenance by Aloe vera treatment: A new edible coating

A novel edible coating based on Aloe vera gel, accordingly to our developed patent (SP Patent Filed P200302937), has been used as postharvest treatment to maintain sweet cherry quality and safety. During cold storage, uncoated fruit showed increases in respiration rate, rapid weight loss and colour changes, accelerated softening and ripening, stem browning and increased microbial populations, these processes being more intense during the shelf life periods. On the contrary, sweet cherry treated with A. vera gel significantly delayed the above parameters related to postharvest quality losses, and storability could be extended. The sensory analyses revealed beneficial effects in terms of delaying stem browning and dehydration, maintenance of fruit visual aspect without any detrimental effect on taste, aroma or flavours. As far as we aware, this is the first time A. vera gel is used as an edible coating in fruit, which would be an innovative and interesting means for commercial application and as alternative of the use of postharvest chemical treatments.     

Dehydration accelerates respiration in postharvest sugarbeet roots

Sugarbeet (Beta vulgaris L.) roots lose water during storage and often become severely dehydrated after prolonged storage and at the outer regions of storage piles which have greater wind and sun exposure. Sucrose loss is known to be elevated in dehydrated roots, although the metabolic processes responsible for this loss are unknown. To identify processes that contribute to sucrose loss in dehydrated roots, respiration rate, cellular electrolyte leakage, and sucrolytic enzyme activities were determined in roots of two varieties (VDH 66156 and Beta 4797R) during 4 weeks of 10 °C storage at high (85%) and low (40%) relative humidities. Roots stored at 40% relative humidity dehydrated significantly and lost almost 50% of their weight after 4 weeks of storage. Electrolyte leakage increased in these roots, indicating that dehydration damaged cellular membranes. Respiration rate generally increased in roots stored at 40% relative humidity compared to roots stored at 85% relative humidity. The increase in respiration rate was positively correlated with root weight loss and electrolyte leakage. Respiration rate was most closely associated with electrolyte leakage, however, suggesting that elevations in respiration rate were not due to dehydration, but to the membrane damage that occurred in response to dehydration. Activities of the sucrose-degrading enzymes, sucrose synthase, alkaline invertase and soluble acid invertase, were unaltered by dehydration. Alterations in sucrolytic enzyme activities, therefore, were not needed to provide for the increased demand for respiratory substrates in dehydrated roots. These results suggest that storage at low relative humidity alters the postharvest physiology of sugarbeet roots by increasing the rate of weight loss, reducing membrane integrity, and accelerating root respiration rate.     

Effects of a composite chitosan–gelatin edible coating on postharvest quality and storability of red bell peppers

For the first time, a composite chitosan–gelatin (CH–GL) coating was applied to peppers and its effects on fruit quality and storability were examined. Pure chitosan (CH) and gelatin (GL) coatings were studied for comparison. The CH coating inhibited microbial spoilage and prolonged the possible storage period. The GL coating contributed to fruit firmness, but did not allow for prolonged storage. The composite CH–GL coating was associated with a two-fold decrease in microbial decay, significantly (p ≤ 0.05) enhanced fruit texture and prolonged the possible period of cold storage up to 21 days and fruit shelf-life up to 14 days, without affecting the respiration or nutritional content of the fruit.     

不同包装对鲜切青椒保鲜效果的研究

研究了3种不同的包装对鲜切青椒贮藏过程中感官指标、质量损失率、呼吸强度、相对电导率、可溶性固形物含量、叶绿素含量和菌落总数的影响。结果表明,厚0.02 mm的塑料薄膜袋是3种包装方式中保鲜效果较为突出的,能有效降低鲜切青椒的质量损失率,抑制呼吸作用,减缓青椒内可溶性固形物和叶绿素含量的下降,延缓相对电导率的下降,并且在第12天开始出现腐烂现象,与贮藏效果较差的塑料包装盒相比较,能有效延长贮藏时间3 d。     

不同贮藏温度对鲜切甘薯呼吸代谢及营养成分的影响

研究了鲜切甘薯在18、10、4℃温度条件下贮藏期间的呼吸代谢及各种营养成分的变化。结果表明,鲜切甘薯在不同贮藏温度条件下,生理代谢及营养成分变化差异明显。较低的贮藏温度可显著抑制鲜切甘薯的呼吸强度、失重率及总酚含量的增加,降低营养成分的变化幅度,有利于保持鲜切甘薯的贮藏品质。     

Effects of ultrasound and high pressure argon on physico-chemical properties of white mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus) during postharvest storage

Effects of high pressure argon (H), ultrasound (U) and their combination treatments (UH) on physico-chemical characteristics of white mushrooms were studied during 9 d of postharvest storage at 4 °C. H treated samples exhibited the smallest weight loss and respiration rate compared to all other samples. Mass losses after 9 d of storage were 3.01%, 5.09%, 5.39% and 9.59% for H, UH, U and untreated mushrooms, respectively. Furthermore, U treated samples showed lower polyphenol oxidase activity (PPO, E.C. 1.14.18.1) during storage while UH treated samples showed a slight increase in antioxidant capacity during storage and also experienced reduced mass loss and respiration rate. In addition, treated samples were effective in retaining mushrooms colour changes compared to control. Physico-chemical properties of differently treated mushrooms (UH, H and U) stored at 4 °C were significantly different (p < 0.05) from control.     

不同保鲜膜对翠冠梨贮藏效果的影响

以翠冠梨果实为试材,研究冷藏条件下采用苹果保鲜膜和枣保鲜膜对果实贮藏效果的影响.结果表明,两种保鲜膜贮藏效果均明显优于对照,贮藏前期苹果保鲜膜更能保持果实硬度与水分,但贮藏后期会产生发酵味,贮藏期不宜超过60天;枣保鲜膜贮藏效果最好,贮藏90天仍未出现皱皮失水,果实硬度、可溶性固形物含量与入库时基本相同,贮藏期可比对照果延长1个多月.     

Chitosan applications pre- or postharvest prolong raspberry shelf-life quality

Raspberries are fruit with high metabolism that makes them very perishable, impairing their storage and shelf-life. Chitosan coatings have the potential to improve their postharvest life by reducing water loss, respiration rate and decay incidence. The purpose of this work was to study the effect of different concentrations of chitosan, applied pre- or postharvest, on the retention of quality attributes of fresh raspberries. The chitosan concentrations tested were 0 (control), 0.5, 1.0 or 2.0%. The postharvest treatment was applied immediately after harvest, dipping the fruit in the solutions for 5 min. The pre-harvest treatment was done with one hand-spray application per week for three weeks, starting when the fruit were just turning pink. In both experiments the fruit were stored at 0 °C and 90% RH. Pre- or postharvest use of chitosan at 1 or 2% was effective in maintaining titratable acidity and retarding respiration and ethylene production, weight loss and decay incidence. Application by both means resulted in the highest chitosan concentrations accelerating a reduction of ascorbic acid contents. Firmness was maintained only when the fruit were treated pre-harvest at 2%. Thus, application of chitosan at 1 or 2% postharvest and 2% pre-harvest was able to retain key raspberry quality attributes for 15 and 12 days, respectively.     

Effects of alginate edible coating on preserving fruit quality in four plum cultivars during postharvest storage

Four plum (Prunus salicina Lindl.) cultivars (“Blackamber”, “Larry Ann”, “Golden Globe” and “Songold”), were treated with 1 or 3% alginate as an edible coating before storage. Analytical determinations were made after 7, 14, 21, 28 and 35 days at 2 °C and after a 3 day period at 20 °C (shelf-life). Both treatments were effective in inhibiting ethylene production for all cultivars, especially when 3% alginate was used. The changes in fruit quality parameters related to plum postharvest ripening, such as weight and acidity losses, softening and colour changes, were significantly delayed by the use of both edible coatings. The delay of the ripening process was also related to lower anthocyanin and carotenoid accumulation. Overall results suggest that these treatments could increase the plum storage period with optimum quality, 2 weeks for “Larry Ann” and “Songold” and 3 weeks for “Blackamber” and “Golden Globe” more than controls.