Effect of various formulations of natural wax-based edible coatings on physical properties of avocado

Bc. Viktorie Vodičková

Master's thesis

Abstract:

One of the most significant tropical fruits in terms of economy is the avocado, which is mostly imported into the US and Europe. Avocados are climacteric, perishable fruits. As a result, long-distance transportation may incur significant losses, which may lead to financial losses. Fruit quality and shelf life may be preserved with the use of edible coatings. A thin barrier that allows gasses, moisture, and solutes to pass through is created on the fruit's surface when an edible coating is placed. One of the most crucial elements in preserving the fruit's freshness and prolonging its shelf life is moisture loss. In order to avoid fruit weight loss, this study compared the application of several natural waxes as an edible covering. Two concentrations of shellac 5.5% and 10%, carnauba wax 10.16% were compared. The dipping, spraying, and spreading techniques for application were also contrasted. Avocados were kept at 6 °C and 20 °C. The weight loss at 6 °C was the highest in control samples. However, there was no significant difference compared to the treatments, with shellac 10% being the lowest but very close to other treatments. At 20 °C the differences were more significant, with shellac 5.5% as being the best treatment in terms of weight loss at higher temperatures. The results did not verify the difference between the coatings. Total colour difference ΔE was calculated and compared between samples. Shellac 10% had best results with having the lowest colour change progression over time.

Keywords

edible coating, shelf life, edible wax, Persea americana, storage, physical attributes

Jazyk práce: English

Datum vytvoření / odevzdání či podání práce: 28. 4. 2024

Obhajoba závěrečné práce

• Obhajoba proběhla 4. 6. 2024
• Vedúci: Ing. Olga Leuner, Ph.D.
• Oponent: Adéla Fraňková, Ph.D.

Czech University of Life Sciences Prague

Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences

Master programme:
Tropical Crop Management and Ecology