The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the application of carnauba-based wax on the quality and conservation of the Orange cv. Valencia Delta produced in an area of semi-arid climate, during ambient storage (24 ± 2 oC and 40% ± 5 RH). The influence of the use of the coating on the physical properties (weight loss, peel moisture and flavedo colouration) and the physicochemical properties (soluble solids, titratable acidity, pH, soluble solids / titratable acidity ratio, ascorbic acid, yellow flavonoids and total polyphenols) was evaluated every four days for a period of 28 days. An increasing weight loss was seen during storage, the coated fruits however, lost weight at far lower rates than the control fruits. Accordingly, peel moisture decreased during storage, being more pronounced in the control fruits. The levels of soluble solids, titratable acidity, ascorbic acid, yellow flavonoids and total polyphenols increased, while the ratio of soluble solids to titratable acidity and the pH decreased during storage. The application of a carnauba-based coating prolonged the postharvest life of the 'Valencia Delta' orange grown in the state of Ceara, through a significant reduction in weight loss, enhancement in the brightness of the flavedo and maintenance of the physical and physicochemical properties during ambient storage.
Read full abstract