Effect of edible coating of gelatin-sodium alginate with the addition of green tea (Camellia sinensis) extract on the characteristics of star fruit (Averrhoa carambola L.) during storage.

Star fruit has a good nutritional value but was very easy to damage. Edible coating can be used to extend the shelf life of star fruit. Green tea had been added to improve the mechanical properties and functional value of edible coating. This study aimed to evaluate the application of edible coating gelatin-sodium alginate with the addition of green tea to the physicochemical and microbiological characteristics of star fruit. This research was conducted by making edible coating solutions from gelatin, sodium alginate, glycerol, and green tea of various concentrations (0%, 5%, 10%, and 15%). The coating solution was applied to star fruit and stored for 1, 6, and 13 days to determine the effect of coating on the physicochemical and microbiological properties of star fruit. The results showed that adding green tea was not significantly different from the color change of the coating solution. However, there was a change in viscosity and pH along with the concentration of green tea extract (p < 0.05). FTIR analyses indicated that an interaction existed between gelatin-sodium alginate and green tea extract. The addition of green tea to star fruit with an edible coating of gelatin and sodium alginate could prevent weight loss (25.84%), reduce respiration rate (11.035 mg CO/kg/h), maintain fruit anatomy, protect against color change, inhibit pH changes (4.22), total titrated acid (0.22%), increase vitamin C (244.55 mg/g), and even reduce damage for up to 13 days of storage. This study indicates that edible coating with the addition of green tea might be effective to retain the quality and extend the storage life star fruit.