Loquat is a non-climacteric fruit and is very perishable during storage. In the present study, effects of times (0, 7, 14, 21, 28 and 35 + 2 days), packaging (polystyrene and polystyrene/polyethylene dishes) and antioxidants (ascorbic acid 1 and 2%, citric acid 0.5 and 1% and sodium hexametaphosphate 0.5 and 1%) were investigated. These treatments were selected for control of enzymatic browning and storage life of loquat fruits. Treated fruits were stored at 5°C for up to 35 days and 2 days shelf life at 25°C. Results showed that the lowest fruit weight loss (4.34%) was observed in hexametaphosphate 0.5% treated with 2 layers packaging. The treatment of ascorbic acid 2% + citric acid 1% + sodium hexametaphosphate 1% caused lowest browning index. The highest contents of vitamin C, total phenol, total flavonoid and antioxidant activity were observed in fruits treated with ascorbic acid 2%. Overall, it was revealed that ascorbic acid 2% was the most effective treatment to maintain the quality of loquat fruit during storage.
Hashemabadi D, Najmabadi N, Kaviani B, Ghasemnejad M, Zaredoost F, Jadid Soleymandarabi M. The Effect of Antioxidant Compounds and Packaging Materials on Quality and Storage Life of Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica) Fruits. IJHST 2018; 19 (2) :143-156 URL: http://journal-irshs.ir/article-1-134-en.html