36E-88

J. K. NOH¹, J. R. Mount¹, S. Zivanovic¹, and C. E. Sams². (1) Dept. of Food Science and Technology, Univ. of Tennessee, 2605 River Dr., Knoxville, TN 37996-4591, (2) Dept. of Plant Science, Univ. of Tennessee, 2431 Joe Johnson Dr., Knoxville, TN 37996-4561

Edible coating has been applied on the surface of fresh produce to extend shelf-life by suppressing respiration, transmission, and microbial growth. It can help to decrease weight loss and moisture loss. It may also offer a protective barrier against bacterial contamination and spoilage. Recent studies have indicated chitosan as an effective coating that can extend shelf-life by maintaining the quality of fruits. The objective of this study was to demonstrate the effectiveness of natural biodegradable chitosan coatings in extending shelf-life and quality of fresh small fruits, such as strawberries, blueberries, and grapes. Fruits were dipped for 30 seconds in 1% chitosan in 1% aqueous acetic acid, 1% water-soluble chitosan in water, 1% acetic acid solution or tap water. Non-treated fruits served as a control treatment. Samples were stored at 4±2° C and 80±10% RH up to 24 days. Quality analysis was performed every 3 days. The analysis included measurements of texture (TA.XT plus), color (Hunter), weight loss, and ethylene and CO₂ production. Statistical analysis was conducted for all dip treatments and control fruit. Ethylene production (0.038ppm/hr to 0.194ppm/hr; p<0.01) and CO₂ production (3.6% to 4.7%; p<0.05) decreased significantly for both chitosan treatments compared to control fruit. Firmness among the chitosan and control treatments was also significantly different (p<0.01). Hunter b-values (p<0.01) were significantly different but there were no significant changes in L or a-values (p>0.10) among treatments. There was no significant change in moisture loss (p>0.10) among the treatments. The results suggest that chitosan coatings have a potential to be used on small fruits to maintain quality and extend shelf-life by reducing respiration.

Session 36E, Fruit & Vegetable Products: General
8:30 AM - 12:00 PM, Monday AM Room Hall I-2

2005 IFT Annual Meeting, July 15-20 - New Orleans, Louisiana