Improved postharvest quality of apple (Rich Red) by composite coating based on arabinoxylan and ß-glucan stearic acid ester.

ABSTRACT

Apples (Rich Red) were coated with wheat straw arabinoxylan (AX) and ß-glucan stearic acid ester (SABG) composite coating material in the concentration range of 1-2%. The postharvest storage life of coated apples was studied at 22 °C (±2) with 65% and 85% relative humidity for 45 days. Application of both AX-SABG (1-2%) and shellac (1-2%) coatings material significantly reduced the weight loss, respiration process, color degradation, process of fruit softening and ripening index as compared to the uncoated apples up to 30 days storage. However, the AX-SABG coatings were found more effective in preventing the aroma loss, reducing microbial spoilage and maintaining sensorial attributes as compared to shellac and uncoated apples during storage.