Application of chitosan-based apple peel polyphenols edible coating on the preservation of strawberry (Fragaria ananassa cv Hongyan) fruit

This study was determined to investigate the efficacy of chitosan (CS)-based apple peel polyphenols (APP) composite coatings to enhance the storage quality of strawberries. Strawberries were coated with CS-APP1 (0.25% APP), CS-APP2 (0.50%), CS-APP3 (0.75%), CS-APP4 (1.0%), and stored at 20 degrees C and 35-40% RH. The uncoated fruit was considered as control. The fruits were evaluated for weight loss, decay, firmness, bioactive compounds, titratable acidity, and total soluble solids (TSS). The results revealed that CS-APP coatings had a significant effect on all the tested parameters. The weight loss and decay percentage were reduced to 10.91% and 19%, respectively, in the CS-APP4 treatment group. The highest value of TSS (6.8%) was observed in the CS-APP3 treatment group on the 6th day of storage. Coatings with CS-APP4 exhibited the maximum acid content (0.78 g/100 g) as compared to the CS only (0.68 g/100 g). The total phenol content was highest (1.3 mg/g) in the CS-APP2 treatment group at the end of storage. CS-APP2 composite coating could be effectively utilized to extend the postharvest life of strawberries as it retarded the senescence and maintained quality attributes of the fruits during storage.

Automated summary

The study found that CS-APP composite coatings significantly reduced weight loss and decay of strawberries, while increasing total soluble solids content and acidity. Among them, the CS-APP2 treatment group extended the postharvest life of strawberries while maintaining fruit quality.