Spraying oranges with chitosan solution for preservation

Abstract

The quality of fresh fruits can be prolonged with the addition of key substrates, such as chitosan, which has certain benefits when it is used as a coating to increase their conservation. The weight, acidity, maturity index, and antioxidant capacity of sprayed oranges and unsprayed oranges used as blank and stored at 25 °C for 21 days, were analyzed. The chitosan-based formulation used was beneficial for the preservation of oranges, since a lower weight loss and maturity index, greater antioxidant capacity and a better appearance could be observed over time.