Tomato peel-cutin based film mitigates the deterioration of calamansi (Citrofortunella microcarpa)

Abstract

The plant cuticle, cutin is the main component in tomato peel. The cutin was obtained through 3% (w/v) NaOH extraction by autoclave. The extract was then mixed with pectin, forming a film suspension before being used as a coating for calamansi. The calamansi samples were grouped (n=20) into: pectin; 1:1 pectin/cutin; 2:3 pectin/cutin; 3:2 pectin/cutin; and uncoated control. The calamansi were stored at 25°C for 10 days and were analysed for physio-chemical changes every two days. Calamansi samples coated with pectin/cutin showed a significant reduction in firmness and Brix as early as day 2 and the percentage of citric acid at day 6. After 10 days of storage, the 2:3 pectin/cutin treatment samples showed minimum changes in weight loss (23.52±3.20%), firmness (27.11±3.10 N), total soluble solids content (7.55±0.21°Brix), titratable acidity (25.60±0.32% citric acid) and colour. Therefore, it can be concluded that the 2:3 pectin/cutin film coating was the best treatment for harvested calamansi in attenuating the deterioration process.