Shelf-Life and Free Radical Scavenging Activity of Tomato (Lycopersicon Esculentum Mill.) Fruits Coated with Safe Phytochemicals

Abstract

This study was conducted to investigate the potential of phytochemical extracts on extending the shelf-life of harvested tomato fruits, and to determine which phytochemical extracts can best enhance its shelf-life. The free radical scavenging activity (FRSA) of tomato fruits coated with phytochemical extracts stored under ambient condition and the toxicity of the phytochemical coatings was also evaluated. Mature green, breaker, and mature red tomato (Diamante max hybrid) fruits were used. The fruits were coated with phytochemical extracts derived from starfruit, cat’s whisker, citronella, cocohusk, ginger, and hagimit. The extraction was accomplished using distilled water, ethyl alcohol, and acetic acid. The shelf-life evaluation of the harvested tomato fruits was conducted in a completely randomized design at ambient condition. The results showed that the phytochemical extracts can potentially enhance the shelf-life of harvested tomatoes. The aqueous hagimit extract (AQHE) was able to extend the shelf-life of mature green tomatoes from 44 days to 97 days which is equivalent to 120 % shelf-life enhancement. The ethanolic hagimit extract (ETHE) extended the shelf-life of breaker tomatoes from 27 days to 83 days which is about 207 % shelf-life enhancement. The acetic acid starfruit extract (AASE) extended the shelf-life of mature red tomatoes from 17 days to 31 days which is tantamount to 82 % enhancement of its shelf-life. These findings suggested the potential application of phytochemical extracts to solve the problem of high perishability of vegetables, particularly on tomatoes. The mature red tomatoes gave the highest FRSA among the three maturity stages of tomato tested. However, the FRSA of mature green and breaker tomatoes increased with shelf-life extension. The sustenance of FRSA on coated mature red tomato with extended shelf-life is noteworthy to consider. Furthermore, the acute toxicity tests revealed that these phytochemical coatings are non-toxic and are safe to use as coatings on agricultural products for human consumption.