Colorimetric and microbiological analysis of minimally processed apples using edible coatings based on babassu starch.

Minimally Processed (MP) fruits and vegetables are a growing trend today, aiming to obtain fresh and convenient products. MP refers to vegetables that have undergone physical modifications, such as cutting, and are kept fresh. The use of edible coatings has been applied to increase the shelf life of MP fruits and vegetables. Apples are widely cultivated, consumed worldwide, and are a source of important nutrients. Edible coatings are defined as a thin layer applied to a food; their purpose is to reduce the migration of moisture and gases, as they provide semipermeable barriers that protect the product from damage, increasing its shelf life. They can be made with starch, gums, etc. Babassu mesocarp flour can be used in the production of edible coatings, as it contains 60% starch. The apples were washed, sanitized, and cut into cubes measuring approximately 2 x 2 cm. The starch was removed from the mesocarp flour. The samples were subjected to the following treatments: Control; 3% babassu starch solution; 1% citric acid solution; and 1% citric acid solution + 3% babassu starch solution. The babassu starch coatings were heated to 70°C with constant stirring for 10 minutes and cooled. The apples were immersed for 2 minutes in each solution to form the coating. These samples were evaluated after 1, 5, 9, 13, and 17 days of refrigerated storage. During storage, colorimetric (L*a*b* system) and microbiological (total coliforms, molds, and yeasts) analyses were performed. During storage, all samples remained within the range of values ​​for the luminosity parameter L* (69 to 73), which are high values ​​indicating no noticeable darkening. The a* values ​​remained constant (range 3 to 4.8), indicating that the shade of red had little influence on the color. The b* values, which indicate the shade of yellow, ranged from 16 to 21, higher than a*, indicating a predominant yellow hue in the overall color. The product remained in compliance with current legislation, with fecal coliform levels (<0.3 MPN/mL) for all samples during the evaluation period. Mold results were above 104 CFU/mL from day 13 onwards, above the limit established by law. The apple met health standards until day 9.