Date Published:

Abstract:

This is the first report on a method to create a selective protective coating (i.e., ``bandage'') to treat only the damaged part of pomegranate arils for shelf-life extension of these ready-to-eat chilled fruit. Implementation of a specific sequence of steps enabled the formation of an edible alginate-based protective gel layer only on the damaged surface of the aril. The consecutive steps included immersion of the arils in a solution containing a crosslinking agent, followed by immersion in an aqueous solution consisting of a polysaccharide, and then drying of the arils at ambient temperature. The selective coating method relies on the difference between the hydrophobic natural aril skin and the hydrophilic damaged parts of the aril. The formed coating was thin, transparent and sensorially undetectable, as demonstrated by triangle test. The formed coating helped preserve product quality and decreased fluid exudation during storage. The straightforward method for creating this selective coating may also be valid for any injured or cut plant tissue.