Effect of chitosan and sodium alginate edible coatings on the postharvest quality of fresh-cut nectarines during storage

Introduction. The use of edible coatings could be a new technological alternative to maintain fruit quality during cold storage. The objective of this work was to determine the effects of different coatings, alone or in conjunction, on the quality of fresh-cut nectarines during storage. Materials and methods. Nectarines (Prunus persica L.) cv. Big Top were studied under three different coatings: 2% acid-soluble chitosan, 1.5% sodium alginate, and a solution with 3% chitosan and 2% sodium alginate. Slices were then sealed in polyethylene plastic bags and stored at 4 degrees C and 95% RH for 9 days. Titratable acidity, soluble solids content, firmness, weight loss, color, browning potential and polyphenol oxidase activity were determined. Yeasts and molds were also monitored. Results and discussion. Nectarine firmness was maintained equally in all analyzed groups. The color parameter L* showed a tendency to decrease with the increasing length of storage, with lower values in alginate- and alginate + chitosan-coated fruits. The chitosan coating decreased the metabolism activity of fruit during the cold storage without significant changes in the fruit quality (lightness and total soluble solid content). The chitosan coating also controlled the growth of microorganisms. Conclusion. The chitosan coating appears to be a promising preservation alternative and an effective method to improve the quality and shelf life of fresh-cut nectarines in marketing conditions.