Effect of postharvest edible coating materials on sugar and organic acid content of fresh-cut melons grown with different fertilizer treatments

Abstract

The demand for convenient and ready-to-eat food has increased, including fresh-cut fruit and vegetables. At the same time, people are also becoming more health-conscious and are aware of the positive impact of healthy food choices on their well-being. Fresh-cut fruit and vegetables are seen as a healthy and convenient option that allows people to meet their nutritional needs without sacrificing their busy lifestyles. This study examines the use of sustainable fertilization practices for growing melons and the application of edible coatings on fresh-cut fruit to preserve their freshness and levels of sugar and organic acids during storage. The cv. 'Kirkagac' melon was used as the plant material. In the current study, the materials needed for preharvest fertilizer applications (humic acid, liquid worm fertilizer, and organomineral fertilizer) were obtained from a commercial company. The materials needed for postharvest edible coating (sodium alginate, pectin, and carob gum) were obtained from a different company. According to the results, the total sugar content of the melons increased as they ripened, but the application of an edible pectin coating helped to control this increase in sugar content better than the other treatments. This is because the pectin coating slowed down the ripening process by reducing the rate of respiration and ethylene release. The results of the study indicated that there were significant differences (p < 0.05) observed between the control group and the samples treated with edible coatings in all parameters measured. In summary, this study suggests that sustainable fertilization practices could be a viable option for cultivating melons, and that edible coatings could be used as novel materials in commercial treatments to maintain the quality of fresh-cut melons during storage.