The Efficacy of Date Pit-Based Edible Composite Coatings in Preserving Fresh Dates

The application of edible coating is an alternative preservation method to extend fruits shelf life compared to conventional techniques. Due to the seasonal and high perishability natures of date fruits, preservation methods are necessary. Date pits contain bioactive compounds such as phenolic acids that possess several activities, including anticancer, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activities. Therefore, date pits could be used as an edible coating. This work was undertaken to determine the effect of date pits-based coating (1% date pits) on the shelf life and quality of fresh date at Khalal stage (the first edible stage with firm texture) coated by dipping and stored at 4°C. The coated dates showed the lowest weight loss and shrinkage in volume (16.9% and 48.3% respectively). Consequently, the coated samples showed the highest hardness value 230 N as compared to the uncoated dates (53 N) as reported that hardness above 119 N showed higher preference by the consumers considering firm and crispy texture. Besides, color attributes were delayed, indicating that coating plays a significant role in retarding fruit ripening. According to the findings, it could be concluded that the combination of date pits-based coating and cold storage could maintain physicochemical properties and ripening of date fruit, and thus edible coating extended their shelf life.