Evaluating the Efficacy of Malay Apple (Syzygium malaccense) Leaves Extract in Chitosan/Alginate Coating for Preserve Postharvest Quality of Bilimbi (Averrhoa bilimbi)

Abstract

The natural tendency of bilimbi to spoil quickly requires it to be consumed within a period of 4-5 days. Therefore, it is crucial to prioritise quality preservation when handling and storing bilimbi fruits after harvesting. A sustainable and organic coating is now being used as a practical substitute for artificial coatings, resulting in a significant decrease in fruit spoilage after harvesting and improving the duration for which the fruit can be stored. The physicochemical characteristics of bilimbi were assessed after applying a coating of chitosan/alginate along with an extract from Malay Apple leaves (ME). Minimal alterations were observed in the rate of weight loss, colour, firmness, pH, and moisture content when stored for 13 days at a refrigeration temperature of 4ºC, in comparison to the control.