Characteristics and postharvest life of snake fruit (Salacca edulis Reinw) during storage as influenced by application of activated nanostructured natural zeolites

Abstract

Salacca edulis Reinw Cv. Pondoh or “Salak Pondoh” is an important exported fruit native to Indonesia. The fruit is highly perishable and hence has a very limited postharvest life for export. This study aimed to investigate effects of activated nano-zeolites application on physico-chemical properties and postharvest life of “Salak Pondoh” during storage. Mordenite and mordenite-clinoptilolite types of nano-zeolites (sized 395-400nm) were prepared by ball-milling method, activated in alkaline conditions, and finally calcinated. Sacheted nano-zelites and bio- disinfected fresh “Salak Pondoh” were packed in perforated LDPE bags, stored at 10±2°C for 25d. Results showed that the fruits packed without nano-zeolites started to show quality damages on their flesh after 15d of storage, although their skin remained intact. Meanwhile, the skin and flesh of fruits packed with activated nano-zeolites remained intact and fresh after 25d of storage. This was confirmed by their physico-chemical properties comparable to those of “Salak Pondoh” for fresh consumption. The presence of activated nano-zeolites (regardless of their types) gave 10-20% lowered RH values that may retard decaying process. These results suggest the potential use of activated nano-zeolites as atmosphere-modifying agents in food packaging for extending the postharvest life of “Salak Pondoh” and other related fresh fruits.