Characteristics of corn starch-based edible coating enriched with curry leaf extract on quality of the strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa Duch.)

Abstract

Strawberry is one of the most popular tropical fruits in Indonesia. The fruit has a concise shelf life and quickly deterioration after harvesting due to mechanical injury, physiological disorders, water loss, fungal growth, and high respiration rates. Postharvest technology is one technique that can maintain fruit quality and extend shelf life, one of which is a coating technique called edible coating. The edible coating layer of corn starch with the addition of curry leaf extract has antibacterial activity that can inhibit the growth rate of microorganisms. This study aimed to determine the characteristics of the edible coating solution produced from corn starch with the addition of curry leaf extract to produce the best edible coating layer. This study used a factorial completely randomized design experimental method, which consisted of treatment with curry leaf extract concentration (8%, 10%, and 12%) and dipping time (4, 5, and 6 minutes) with three repetitions. The result showed a significant delay in weight loss and total dissolved solids in strawberries compared to the uncoated control strawberries. In addition, the edible coatings had positive results in organoleptic based on panelists’ acceptance of color, aroma, taste, texture, and overall. These findings suggest that using 8% curry leaf extract with 4 minutes dipping time could be favorable to extend the shelf-life and maintain the quality of strawberry fruit.