For Abstracts

Elena Sanchí¬s (Instituto Valenciano de Investigaciones Agrarias (IVIA), Spain), Christian Ghidelli (IVIA), Chirag C. Sheth (Universidad CEU-Cardenal Herrera, Spain), Milagros Mateos (Universidad CEU-Cardenal Herrera), Lluí¬s Palou (IVIA), María B. Pérez-Gago (IVIA- Fundación AGROALIMED)

The aim of this work was to study the ability of a pectin-based edible coating and modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) to control enzymatic browning and microbial growth of fresh-cut ‘Rojo Brillante’ persimmon. The pectin-based coating was amended with 1% (w/v) citric acid and 1% (w/v) calcium chloride as antioxidants and Nisin (NI) at 500 IU/mL as antimicrobial. Persimmon slices were dipped in the coating or in water (control), packed under MAP (5 kPa O₂, balance N₂) or ambient atmosphere and stored at 5 degrees C for up to 9 days. Microbial growth, package gas composition, color, firmness, polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity, visual quality and overall sensory flavor were measured during storage. The coating significantly reduced the CO₂ emission and O₂ consumption in the headspace of MAP-samples and PPO activity of persimmon slices. MAP reduced firmness loss of control samples. The coated-MAP samples presented the lowest a* and the highest hue values, and maintained a good visual quality up to day 9 of storage. At the end of the storage period, the overall fruit flavor was ranked above the limit of acceptability. The coating inhibited the growth of mesophilic aerobic bacteria. No growth of molds, yeasts and psychrophilic aerobic bacteria was observed during storage. Overall, the combination coating-MAP was the best treatment to maintain a good visual quality and control microbial growth of fresh-cut persimmons.