Scientists apply coating to extend fruits’ shelf life
Scientists from the National Institute of Food Science and Technology, University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF) have started applying the innovative edible coating technology under a joint project of Pakistan and US aimed at extending the shelf life of fruits.
The project’s Principal Investigator Dr Masood Sadiq Butt revealed this while briefing food scientists on the breakthrough.
The core objective of the project, funded by the Higher Education Commission, is to reduce post-harvest losses and improve nutritional attributes of fruits.
Butt elaborated that the process involved the development of edible coating materials and their application to fruit through dipping and spraying. “These coatings act as a barrier to weight loss due to evaporation of water and protect fruits from other environmental factors,” he said.
Research was being conducted in this regard on different kinds of fruits like apple, mango, apricot and strawberry by applying different coatings, he pointed out.
Most of the fruits are perishable in nature and are harmed by environmental factors. Different techniques are used to enhance their shelf life and the application of edible coatings is an efficient tool in this regard.
Butt expressed the hope that the increase in shelf life would pave the way for farmers and traders to export the fruits and earn revenue for the country.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 26th, 2012.
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