Application of Starch-based Edible Coating on Tomato and Its Effect during Storage

Abstract

The appropriate postharvest treatment is required for the tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) because it is a perishable commodity. Common procedures for maintaining quality and extending its shelf life is applying storage at low temperatures. Another alternatif is an application of coating on the tomatoes. Starch-based coating is widely used due to its positive effects on the agricultural commodities. The aim of this research is to determine the effect of various coating materials and sprayer nozzle size on the physical and chemical characteristics of tomatoes during storage. This study used an experimental method with a completely randomized design method with 2 factors, namely variations in the type of main coating material (P): canna starch (P1), potato starch (P2), sweet potato starch (P3) and variations in sprayer nozzle size. (N): 0.6 mm (N1); 1.0 mm (N2); 1.5 mm (N3). Each treatment was performed three times. The findings of the research show that the type of main coating material and variations in the diameter of the sprayer nozzle can maintain the brightness level and total soluble solids value of tomatoes on day 6 observation. The selected treatments are tomato fruit samples coated with sweet potato starch, and the sprayer nozzle diameter is 1.0 mm.