Efecto de la aplicación de un recubrimiento comestible a base de almidón de cidrayota (Sechium edule) de la variedad virens levisenla calidad y vida útil de la fresa (Fragaria ananassa)

Abstract

This research aimed to evaluate the effect of applying a cidrayota starch-based coating on the quality and shelf life of strawberries stored at 4 degrees Celsius for 10 days. The physicochemical characterization of cidrayota, the physicochemical parameters and functional properties of the starch were determined and a full factorial design was used to evaluate the starch concentration (a0: 1 percent and a1: 2 percent) and the immersion time (b0 : 5 min and b1: 10 min) in the physicochemical quality and useful life of the strawberry stored in refrigeration. The cidrayota presented the following characteristics: pH 6.7, SST 4.6 degrees brix, acidity 0.036 grams citric acid for each gram of sample, maturity index 129.6 and starch content 1.45 percent. Starch a humidity of 8.4 percent, dry matter 91.55 percent, ash 0.51 percent, lipids 0.22 percent, gelatinization temperature 65.4 degrees Celsius, water retention capacity 7.75 percent, solubility 3.96 percent and swelling power 9.11 percent. The best coating was the treatment with 2 percent starch and 10 min of immersion due to the lower weight loss at 5.7 days, high values in color, flavor and texture, and longer shelf life (6.7 days). It was concluded that the cidrayota starch-based coating plays a protective barrier function in strawberries and prevents water loss and evidenced the potential of starch as an edible coating.