Vegetables aesthetic qualities are frequently enhanced by the application of different surface coatings. In this work, different edible and chemical based coatings were evaluated for postharvest shelf-life extension of Carrot (Daucus carota L.) cv. New Kuroda during storage at ambient temperature (26 ± 2 °C, RH 68 ± 4%) for 7 days. Untreated samples were used as the controls. Results suggested that the coating treatment T4 (Aloe vera gel 40%) enhanced product quality by preventing physiological loss in weight (10.29 %), per cent of decay (29.13%),maintaining better values for firmness (7.10 kg/cm2), beta carotene (2.93 mg/100g) and ascorbic acid (2.70 mg/100g). While, the treatment T6(30% honey) recorded the highest values in TSS(12.580) and total sugars (4.83 %).From the sensory point of view, all the coated samples were appreciated for quality attributes about 6 to 7 days, whereas all the other fresh carrots were refused after only 2 days.

Carrot, edible and chemical coatings, storage life

Postharvest treatments significantly delays in respiration rate and maintains firmness when treated with Aloe vera, H2O2, CaCl2 and honey solution, it lowers the decay percentage during the storage. So, we can recommend the use of Aloe vera, H2O2, CaCl2 and honey solution as edible coating to maintain the quality attributes during storage which shows great potential for preserving. This coating provides a barrier to reduce weight loss, preserve pH, maintains TSS and shelf life as well as quality of carrots. A. vera gel has an impact on the product's quality and the quantity of bioactive substances it contains. Edible coverings made of Aloe vera have been demonstrated to delay oxidative browning and microbe growth, control respiration rate and maturation and prevent moisture and firmness loss. Post-harvest losses can be reduced with effective post-harvest procedures.

D. Srivalli, Anindita Roy, M. Viswanath and Monalisa Sahoo (2022). Postharvest Shelf-life Extension of Carrot (Daucus carota L.) cv. New Kuroda using different surface Coatings. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 14(3): 1589-1594.