Effect of Opuntia ficus-indica Mucilage Edible Coating on Quality, Nutraceutical, and Sensorial Parameters of Minimally Processed Cactus Pear Fruits

Abstract

Cactus pear (Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill.) is a non-climacteric fruit with a relatively short postharvest life span, being very sensitive to water loss, darkening and decay. Cactus pear is a spiny fruit, and the presence of glochids limits fruit consumption and diffusion; therefore, minimally processing, as well as peel removing, could be an opportunity to improve its availability, consumption, and diffusion in national and international markets. In this study, cactus pear minimally processed fruits were treated with a mucilage-based coating extracted from Opuntia ficus-indica cladodes and stored at 5 °C for 9 days. The effect of mucilage edible coating on the postharvest life, qualitative attributes, and nutraceutical value of fruit were evaluated by colors, firmness, total soluble solids content, titratable acidity, ascorbic acid, betalains and DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl). Results showed that mucilage-based coating improved the quality and preserves the nutraceutical value of minimally processed cactus pear fruits during storage. The edible coating was effective in maintaining fruit fresh weight, total soluble solids content, fruit firmness, ascorbic acid and betalain content, sensorial traits, and visual score. Coated fruits showed a significantly lower microbiological growth than uncoated control fruits during the entire cold storage period.