Raphaela G. Bitencourt

Antimicrobial and aromatic edible coating on fresh-cut pineapple preservation

The present research aimed to develop an edible coating incorporated with mint essential oil, evaluate its effectiveness in inhibiting in vitro microbial development, and improve both quality and shelf-life of fresh-cut pineapple. Mint essential oil-containing edible coatings showed in vitro antimicrobial efficiency against Escherichia coli and Salmonella Enteritidis. Titratable acidity, pH, and texture were not affected (P>0.05) by coating or storage time. Mass loss was not higher than 1.0% after the 6th day of storage. No effect of storage time and coating on total soluble solids was observed. Mint essential oil-containing coatings inhibited the growth of yeasts and molds in fresh-cut pineapple. Compared to uncoated and control-coated samples, mint essential oil-containing coatings lessened psychrotrophic bacteria counts throughout storage. Counts of thermotolerant coliforms were not higher than 3.0MPN·g-1 in all treatments, whereas no Salmonella sp. was detected during the 6-day storage. Mint essential oil provided a strong flavor to the fruit, as shown by sensory evaluations.