Edible coatings based on sodium alginate and ascorbic acid for application on fresh-cut pineapple (Ananas comosus (L.) Merr)

The demand for healthy and ready-to-eat products, such asfreshly-harvested fruits, has been growing steadily over the years. However, these products are very susceptible to spoilage and have a short shelf-life. In this research, edible coatings based on sodium alginate and its blends with ascorbic acid (a natural antioxidant and anti-browning agent) were applied on fresh-cut pineapple samples, and the changes in their physicochemical properties were monitored during 10 d of storage at 4ºC. Initially, the surface of the coated fruits was brighter and statistically significant differences were not found between uncoated and coated samples (P<0.05); similar values were obtained in the parameters of soluble solids (~11 ºBrix), pH (~3.74) and titratable acidity (~0.64%). During storage, coated samples were more protected against changes in appearance compared to uncoated fresh-cut pineapple samples. The current results will be beneficial for further research that focuses on the preservation of minimally processed fruits such as pineapple.