Abstract

Pineapple is a tropical fruit of great consume demand. However, due to its high perishability at room conditions, there is noticeable loss of quality postharvest in a short period. In this context, the use of biodegradable coatings is a promising alternative for maintaining postharvest quality. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the use of cassava starch-alginate based biodegradable coatings added with ascorbic acid and an elicitor on postharvest quality and conservation of ‘Pérola’ pineapple. Fruits were coated with: Cassava starch 1.5% + alginate 0.5%; cassava starch 1.5% + alginate 0.5% + ascorbic acid 0.18 %; cassava starch 1.5% + alginate 0.5% + elicitor,  each added of 0.5% of glycerol as a plasticizer, and the control (uncoated fruits), following storage at room conditions (23 ± 1°C, 88 ± 2% RH). Pineapples coated with cassava starch-alginate associated with the elicitor (SE) or ascorbic acid (SA) kept lower levels of reducing and total sugars as well as better appearance and general acceptance (GA) during room storage for 18 days. According to the panelists, the determining factors for higher GA of 'Pérola' pineapple under these coatings were the sweetness, fresh like characteristics of taste and odor, and better appearance. Overall, the use of SE and SA coatings had a marked impact in maintained the quality during 18 days and did not adversely affect the sensory characteristics of ‘Pérola’ pineapple stored at room conditions.

Key words: Ananas comosus, Manihot esculenta, biodegradable coating, sugars, sensorial acceptance.