Application of Nanoemulsions of Thyme and Peppermint Essential Oils with Carboxymethyl Cellulose Coating on Postharvest Longevity of Strawberry

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Department of Horticultural Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Kurdistan, Sanandaj, Iran

2 Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Kurdistan, Sanandaj, Iran

3 Department of food science and engineering, faculty of agriculture, university of Kurdistan

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Strawberry (Fragaria ananassa) is susceptible to postharvest fungal agents. Therefore, the application of suitable methods such as essential oils (EOs) and edible coatings to control the fruit decay and maintain the quality of strawberry fruit during the postharvest period is necessary. However, the application of EOs is limited due to low water solubility, high vapor pressure and physical and chemical instability. In the current study, thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.) and peppermint (Mentha longifolia) EOs were extracted, and their nanoemulsion prepared by the spontaneous emulsification method. In the next step, layer-by-layer method was applied for coating of strawberries fruit surface with the prepared nanoemulsions and with carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC). The quality attributes and post-harvest wastes of fruits were evaluated during storage period at 0, 3, 6, 9 and 12 days. According to the results, the combination of EOs nanoemulsion with CMC decreased fruit microbial growth during the storage period. The decay index of the control sample, nanoemulsion of peppermint EO 0.5% + CMC 0.5%, and nanoemulsion of thyme EO 0.5% + CMC 0.5% were 25, 16.7, and 13.3%; respectively. Also, the samples coated with nanoemulsion of EOs with CMC had lower weight loss percentage as well as firmer texture than strawberries without coating (control treatment). On the other hand, antioxidant activity and soluble solid content of coated fruits were better retained than the control sample. In general, the treatments have a high potential to maintain fruit quality and decrease postharvest losses of strawberry fruit.

Keywords


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