Effects of a natural bioactive coating on the quality and shelf life prolongation at different storage conditions of avocado (Persea americana Mill.) cv. Hass

A bioactive and biodegradable coating of candelilla wax, pectin, aloe mucilage and purified polyphenols from Larrea tridentata was applied on avocados cv Hass by immersion, in order to evaluate its effect on avocados shelf life, stored at refrigerated (7 +/- 2 degrees C) and room (25 +/- 1 degrees C, 60% RH) conditions. Control treatments were avocados without coating and avocados with coating but without polyphenols from L. tridentata. Changes in brightness, pH, total soluble solids (degrees Brix), loss of weight, and firmness were monitored during 21 and 8 days for avocados stored at refrigerated and room conditions. Bioactive film was able to significantly reduce loss of weight (40% and 58% for room and refrigerated conditions, respectively) and firmness (9 times under refrigerated conditions) and maintain brightness (50% more than control), and also inhibited the development of internal grey pulp (100%). The application of bioactive films appears to be a very promising, easy and cheap alternative for preservation, and quality and shelf life prolongation for avocados stored at refrigerated and room conditions.