Postharvest Treatment of Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) Bark Oil and Hexanal Incorporated Bio-Wax Maintains Quality and Extends Marketable Life of Lime (Citrus aurantifolia Swingle)

ABSTRACT

Lime (Citrus aurantifolia Swingle) has a year round demand because of its utilization in food industry, indigenous medicine and domestic culinary. However, the production is highly seasonal. Hence, a study was conducted to evaluate the effect of cinnamon bark oil and hexanal incorporated bio-wax for extending its postharvest life. Lime cv. Local at optimum maturity was harvested and brought to the laboratory immediately. The bulk sample was divided into four replicated lots each containing 120 fruits. Two lots were dipped in the wax formulation for 45 s while the other two were kept as controls (no wax). Treated and control samples were stored in cold room (13°C ± 2°C; RH 90%) and ambient conditions (32°C ± 2°C; RH 70%) in plastic crates respectively. Evaluation of physicochemical attributes were conducted before treatment (day 0) and at 7-day intervals, until fruit exhibits limit of marketability. Bio-wax treatment decreased the rate of peel color deterioration and retarded the rate of increase in fruit firmness (P < 0.05). The bio-wax treatment also significantly contributed to reduction in the rates of variation in total soluble solids, titratable acidity, and juice pH. The treatment also reduced the physiological weight loss and peel browning by 50% thus treated fruit stored under ambient condition showed a marketable life of 15 days while those stored under cold room demonstrated a marketable life of 60 days. In conclusion, cinnamon bark oil and hexanal incorporated bio-wax could be used as a promising tool to extend postharvest life of limes.

KEYWORDS:

• Acid lime
• cold storage
• quality
• shelf life
• tropical fruits

Acknowledgments

Financial assistance provided by Global Affairs Canada (GAC) and the International Development and Research Centre (IDRC) Canada to develop the bio-wax formulation under the (CIFSRF) international collaborative research program is gratefully acknowledged.

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