Biodegradable coatings on the postharvest of blackberry stored under refrigeration

Blackberry is a notable fruit due to bioactive compounds. However it has a fragile structure, which reduces the consumption in natura. The aim of this study was to evaluate the physical and chemical quality of the cv. Tupy blackberry fruits, produced in an organic system, and coated with emulsions based on cassava starch and water kefir grains stored under refrigeration. The fruits were divided into three groups: a control (T1) and two treatments with coatings. The coatings used were: cassava starch solution 2.5% (T2); water kefir grains at 20% (T3). The fruits of the three treatments were stored at 10 +/- 2 degrees C and RH 85 +/- 3%, and were evaluated every three days for 12 days period. It was determined: weight loss, firmness, pH, titratable acid, soluble solids, ratio, anthocyanins and decay incidence. The results for the chemical features showed statistical differences (p>0.05) except for the pH value at the end of the storage. There were differences between crop for all parameters. During the storage period, the anthocyanin content increased on the 2008 crop and reduced on the fruits of 2009. To reduce the decay incidence it is recommended to use the coating with kefir grains. These fruits can be consumed until the third day of storage at 10 degrees C.