Effect of edible gum Arabic coating on the shelf life and quality of mangoes (Mangifera indica) during storage

This study evaluated the effect of treatment with gum Arabic edible coatings on shelf life and quality parameters of mangoes during 20 days at room temperature. Apple variety of mangoes of uniform size were obtained from small holder farms in Makueni County, Kenya and dipped in various concentrations of gum Arabic solutions [0, 10, 15 and 20% (w/v)] for 1 h, ensuring the coating solution uniformly covered the surface. Control fruits were dipped in distilled water only. The fruits were then air-dried on trays, packed in cardboard boxes and stored at room temperature (23 ± 2 °C) and normal relative humidity (45–60%). Changes in weight loss, ascorbic acid content, s-carotene, total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity (TA) and pH were determined using standard methods. Gum Arabic coatings (all levels) significantly (p