Abstract:

A preservative coating agent was prepared through coating matrix containing long-horned bean gum and xanthan gum with the addition of Chinese herbal extracts such as Galla Chinesis and Rhubarb, and coating accessory ingredient such as NaCl. Tight and even surface structure of this film was monitored by scanning electronic microscope. The quality change of Annona squamosa L. fruits coated with this preserving agent was also investigated. Results indicated this preservative coating agent could reduce the consumption of nutrients such as organic acid and vitamin C, decrease rates of weight loss, crack fruits and rotten fruits, decelerate transformation of soluble materials, attenuate softening process of matured fruits, inhibit respiration intensity of fruits, depress the degree of lipid peroxidation, and delay the senescence of fruits. Therefore, this preservative coating film revealed an excellent effect on fresh-keeping of fruits.

Key words: preservative agent, coating, Annona squamosa L. fruit, Chinese herbal medicine