Authors Padmaja, N., & Bosco, S. J. D.
Sapota is a climacteric fruit and is very much appreciated for its taste and nutritional value but the production and commercialization of the fruit is limited. The sweet tasting fruit possesses a delicate characteristic aroma, sometimes slightly astringent. So far, many attempts has been made to extend the shelf life which include Calcium salts dip treatment, GA?, Waxol and hot water treatments. But these were not able to increase the storage life to appreciable level as the MAP does which was expensive and need technical expertise. Aloe vera gel has been used as an edible coating in fruits, which would be an innovative and interesting means for commercial application and an alternative to the use of postharvest treatments. Aloe Vera has been used for centuries for its medicinal and therapeutic properties anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities apart from the antioxidant capacity. Pectin has wide applications in a variety of food formulations as jellying and thickening agent. Since it sets into Jelly in sugar-acid solution, it is regularly used in the preparation of jams, jellies, and marmalades. Because of its ever-increasing use and demand, pectin has become an indispensable ingredient in food industry. Low density polyethylene has wide applications in the food industry as packaging material to avoid weight loss, dust, contamination of microorganisms. Edible coatings play an important role in the quality, safety, transportation, storage, and display of a wide range of fresh and processed foods. Edible films and coatings, while preventing moisture loss and maintaining quality, prevent spoilage and microbial contamination of foods. They act as barriers to moisture and oxygen during processing, handling and storage and do not solely retard food deterioration but also enhance its safety due to their natural biocide activity or the incorporation of antimicrobial compounds.
