Effect of chitosan on biochemical and microbial quality of minimally processed mango (Mangifera indica L.) cubes during storage

Abstract

Fresh-cut mango cubes of cultivar “Mallika” coated with acidified chitosan solutions at three concentrations (1, 2 and 3%) along with untreated cubes as control were placed into plastic trays, over-wrapped with cling film (10 μ thickness) were stored in refrigerator at 8±2°C for 8 days and analyzed for quality parameters after 2, 4, 6 and 8 days. Chitosan coatings, especially 2 and 3%, were effective in inhibiting weight loss, total carotenoids and total phenols contents. Chitosan 3% coating was highly effective in inhibiting the growth of bacteria and yeast/mould on cubes. At the end of storage period, the minimum weight loss (2.46%) was observed in 3% chitosan-treated cubes and maximum (4.51%) in control. High total phenol content (41.79 mg TAE 100 g was observed in 2% chitosan-treated samples. Maximum total-1) carotenoids content (5.35 mg 100 g−1) was observed in 3% chitosan treatment. Higher total soluble solid (25.6 ° Brix) was found in control. Minimum bacterial load (2.04 log cfu g−1) and yeast/mould load (1.78 log cfu g−1) was observed in 3% chitosan-treatment while bacterial load (log CFU g−1) and yeast/mould count was high in (3.02 and 3.92 log CFU g−1, respectively, was in control. The results suggest that 3% chitosan coating on mango cubes effectively minimized weight loss, biochemical changes and microbial growth.