Improving Quality Management of 'Ready-To-Eat' Pomegranate Arils Using Aloe Ferox-Based Edible Coating Enriched With...

Area of Science:

• Food Science
• Horticultural Science
• Material Science

Background:

• Ready-to-eat pomegranate arils are in demand for convenience but are susceptible to rapid quality deterioration.
• Effective preservation techniques are needed to maintain the quality and extend the shelf life of pomegranate arils.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate an Aloe ferox (AF)-based edible coating enriched with encapsulated raspberry pomace powder (ERPP).
• To assess the coating's efficacy in maintaining the quality of 'Wonderful' pomegranate arils during cold storage.

Main Methods:

• Pomegranate arils were treated with control (distilled water), AF (3%), AF (3%) + ERPP (0.3%), and AF (3%) + ERPP (0.6%).
• Quality parameters including weight loss, respiration rate, texture, total soluble solids (TSS), and total phenolic content (TPC) were evaluated.

Main Results:

• All edible coating treatments reduced weight loss and respiration rate compared to the control.
• Coated arils showed better preservation of texture, TSS, and TPC.
• The combination of 3% AF with 0.3% ERPP demonstrated the most significant quality preservation.

Conclusions:

• The AF-based edible coating enriched with ERPP is effective in extending the shelf life of pomegranate arils.
• This eco-friendly coating has potential for commercial application in the ready-to-eat fruit industry.