Effect of chitosan-ascorbic acid coatings on the refrigerated storage stability of fresh-cut apples

Abstract

Using natural antimicrobial substances in edible films becomes crucial to extend the shelf-life of fresh-cut fruits due to the consumers' preferences. In this study chitosan and ascorbic acid based film was used to improve the shelf-life of fresh-cut apples. Fresh-cut apple cubes were dipped in water (control), ascorbic acid (1%) or mixtures of chitosan-ascorbic acid in different ratios (1%:1%, 2%:2% or 1%:5%) for 5 min. After draining, fresh-cut apples were packed in sterile polypropylene jars and stored at 5 °C for 14 days. The treatment with chitosan and ascorbic acid suppressed browning, retained flesh firmness and maintained phenolic compounds throughout the storage period. Moreover, the treatment with chitosan-ascorbic acid significantly retarded the microbial growth during storage. Those findings suggested that the best performance was acquired in 1% chitosan and 5% ascorbic acid coating. That coating could be practical and useful to prolonging the chemical and microbial shelf lives of fresh-cut apples during refrigerated storage.