Edible Coatings for Fresh-Cut Fruits

The production of fresh-cut fruits is increasingly becoming an important task as consumers are more aware of the importance of healthy eating habits, and have less time for food preparation. A fresh-cut fruit is a fruit that has been physically altered from its original state (trimmed, peeled, washed and/or cut), but remains in a fresh state. Unfortunately since fruits have living tissue, they undergo enzymatic browning, texture decay, microbial contamination, and undesirable volatile production, highly reducing their shelf life if they are in any way wounded. Edible coatings can be used to help in the preservation of minimally processed fruits, providing a partial barrier to moisture, oxygen and carbon dioxide, improving mechanical handling properties, carrying additives, avoiding volatiles loss, and even contributing to the production of aroma volatiles.

Keywords:

• minimally processed fruit (MPF)
• edible coating
• shelf life
• fruit ready to eat
• lipids
• hydrocolloids
• fresh-cut fruit

Notes

¹Unless the objective of the film is to impart a specific color and flavor to the fruit.