Utilization of Active Edible Films (Chitosan, Chitosan Nanoparticle, and CaCl2) for Enhancing the Quality Properties and the Shelf Life of Date Palm Fruits (Barhi Cultivar) during Cold Storage

Abstract

Interest in edible coatings applications has progressively developed towards improving the quality and shelf life of climacteric fruits. This study aimed to investigate the influence of pre-harvest treatments (chitosan, chitosan nanoparticle, and CaCl2) on the physicochemical and quality attributes of Barhi date palm fruits during storage periods. Different pre-harvest treatments (control, chitosan 1, 2, and 3 g/L, CaCl2 1, 2, and 3 g/L, nano-chitosan 1, 2, and 3 cm3 /L) were applied. The results showed that all treatments were effective for enhancing the fruit quality, with increasing total soluble solids and total sugars, decreasing weight loss, discarded total acidity, and total soluble tannins compared to the control treatment. Additionally, the results revealed that the highest percentage of TSS was obtained in control fruits (35.78%). Meanwhile, the lowest mean values were obtained from chitosan nanoparticle at 3 cm3/L (33.91%). Treatments with chitosan nanoparticle at 3 cm3/L and CaCl2 at 3 g/L gave the statistically highest values of total tannins (0.225 and 0.220, respectively). The optimal treatment involved spraying the fruit with 3 cm3/L of nano-chitosan or 3 g/L of CaCl2 to increase the fruit quality and the shelf life of Barhi dates. The results indicated that weight loss was negatively linked with the moisture content and firmness, while decay had a strong positive relationship with the Rutab index and a negative correlation with the moisture content. Furthermore, the Rutab index was negatively associated with the total tannins and total chlorophyll.