Technology And Application Of Edible Coatings For Reduction Of Losses And Extension Of Shelf Life Of Cantaloupe Melon Fruits

ABSTRACT Thirty-six 36 cantaloupe melon fruits were used for the weight loss and firmness level trial. Eighteen 18 fruits were coated with NatralifeTM coating while the 18 of the fruits were not coated and were used as control fruits. Six fruits each of coated and uncoated fruits were stored in a cold store at 2C another six fruits each of coated and uncoated were stored at 9C cold storage while the other six fruits each of the coated and uncoated fruit were kept in shelf life room of 20C and a relative humidity of 85-90 for 30 days. The coating of melons with NatralifeTM coatings was by hand brushing with sponge and allowed for 30-45 minutes to dry under natural ventilation before been stored at the various storage conditions. In regard to weight loss Melon fruits coated with NatralifeTM coating had a signficant effect at 0.05 on weight loss stored at cold storage of 2C and 9C and shelf life room of 20C and had reduced weight loss compared to uncoated control melons. Cantaloupe melon fruits stored at shelf life room of 20C loss firmness at a rapid rate than fruits held at cold store of 2C and 9C. At cold store 2C and 9C it was found that both coated and uncoated melons held at 2C loss less firmness than fruit stored at 9C cold store. Overall Melon fruits coated and stored at 2C perform better than fruits stored at 9C and shelf-life room while fruits held at 9C did better than those stored at shelf-life room.