Pectin-based edible coating preserves antioxidative capacity of plum fruit during shelf life

Exploiting safer methods for fruit preservation such as application of edible coatings can improve shelf life, valuable characteristics, and antioxidative capacity. The current study aimed to investigate the effect of a pectin-based edible coating on antioxidative capacity of plum fruit during shelf life (19 ± 2 ℃ and 65% relative humidity for eight days). To do this, three solutions (0.5, 1, and 1.5%) of pectin, plasticized by glycerol (0.3% w/v), were applied on plum fruit and compared to a control treated with only distilled water. Ascorbic acid, total phenolics, anthocyanin and flavonoid contents, total antioxidative capacity based on 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl hydrate method, peroxidase (as an antioxidant enzyme), and polyphenol oxidase (as an oxidant enzyme) activities were recorded during this period. The results demonstrated that pectin-based edible coating was significantly effective on maintaining ascorbic acid, anthocyanin and flavonoid contents, and antioxidative capacity in plum fruits (P ≤ 0.01). The activities of enzymes were significantly affected by the coatings; peroxidase activity increased and polyphenol oxidase activity decreased (P ≤ 0.01). All pectin concentrations significantly caused higher ascorbic acid and anthocyanin contents, antioxidative capacity, and peroxidase activity but a lower polyphenol oxidase activity than the control; however, just 1 and 1.5% concentrations were effective in terms of total phenolic compounds and flavonoid content, respectively, and the other concentrations acted the same as the control. In general, the coating constituted from 1.5% pectin showed the best results for most measured parameters. Considering the influences of pectin-based edible coating on antioxidative characteristics of plum fruits, its application can be potentially regarded as a favorable method to enhance nutritional value of fruits.