210: Edible, Water-Soluble Corn Zein Films Improve Pear and Peach Postharvest Performance by Extending Shelf-Life

Introduction

The influence of different water-soluble corn zein edible coatings on pear and peach ripening and postharvest performance was tested.

Methods

Bartlett pears and Suncrest peaches were harvested at commercial maturity and were treated or not with AKORN’s water soluble corn zein films and forced air dried for 5 minutes prior cold storage (0C and 95% RH) for 8 (pears) or 2 (peach) weeks, respectively. Following storage fruit ripened for up to 7 (pear) or 4 (peach) days at 20°C (90% RH) and external and internal quality and maturity parameters were evaluated.

Results

AKORN-treated pears lost 45% less weight (moisture) after 8 weeks of cold storage and 43% less after 7 days shelf life compared to untreated control. AKORN-treated peaches lost 55% less weight after 2 weeks of storage and 38% less after 4 days shelf life compared to control. A ready-to-eat firmness (<17 N or 4 lb) was reached after 2-3 d ripening at 20°C in control pears and after 4-5 d in AKORN following 8 weeks of cold storage. Interestingly AKORN-treated pears were able to maintain 46% higher firmness levels at the later stages of ripening. A ready-to-eat firmness (~10 N) was reached after 3 d ripening at 20°C in control peaches and after 5 d in AKORN following 2 weeks of cold storage. Interestingly AKORN-treated fruit were able to maintain 36% higher firmness levels at the later stages of ripening. AKORN coatings did not affect °Brix, dry matter content or titratable acidity of pears and peaches. AKORN retained greener skin color and better external appearance in pears. Peach external appearance was not affected by the coatings.

Significance

The results of this work highlight the efficacy of a one-step postharvest coating with natural water-soluble corn zein based films in maintaining pear and peach superior quality traits and freshness during postharvest storage and simulated retail shelf-life conditions.

Authors: Hanan El Zabbati, Sezin Yigit, Anthony Zografos, Ioannis Minas