Storage studies of mango packed using biodegradable chitosan film.
Srinivasa P. C., Revathy Baskaran, Ramesh M. N., Prashanth K. V. H., Tharanathan R. N.
Author Affiliation: Department of Biochemistry and Nutrition, Central Food Technological Research Institute, Mysore 570 013, India.
European Food Research and Technology 215 : 504-508
Abstract : The effect on the quality of mango fruits (Mangifera indica) during modified atmosphere packaging was investigated. The fruits were kept in carton boxes whose top surface was covered with either chitosan film or with low-density polyethylene (positive control) or kept as such (control), and stored at room temperature (27±1°C at 65% RH). The CO2 and O2 levels measured on day 3 were 23-26% and 3-6%, and at the end of the storage period they were 19-21% and 5-6%, respectively. Various quality parameters such as colour, chlorophyll, acidity, vitamin C, carotenoid and sugar contents were studied. The fruits stored as such had a shelf life of 9±1 days, whereas those stored in low-density polyethylene showed off-flavour due to fermentation and fungal growth on the stalk and around the fruits, and were partially spoiled. On the other hand, fruits stored in chitosan-covered boxes showed an extension of shelf life up to 18 days and without any microbial growth and off-flavour. Being biodegradable and ecofriendly, chitosan films are useful as an alternative to synthetic packaging films in the storage of freshly harvested mangoes.