STUDY ON THE EFFECT OF COMPOSITE OF CHITOSAN LOW MOLECULAR WEIGHT WITH OLEIC ACID ON QUALITY AND SHELF-LIFE OF FRANCE PEACHS

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate and compare the effects of chitosan low molecular weight, and their composites with oleic acid (with different concentrations) on the quality and shelf-life of France peaches. The fruits at 85% maturity level were treated with composite of chitosan low molecular weight (at concentration of 15 ml/l) with oleic acid (at concentration of 0 ml, 5 ml/l, 10 ml/l, 15 ml/l) respectively, storaged at cold temperature (2-6⁰C). Effectively maintain the quality and extend the shelf-life was assessed through indicators: natural weight loss, total soluble solids, vitamin C, titratable acidity, decay rate and sensory quality of  France peach fruits. Results after 28 days of storage showed that composite of chitosan low molecular weight (15 ml/l) with oleic acid (10 ml/l) could maintain the best colour, the lowest natural weight loss, the lowest total soluble solids, vitamin C, titratable acidity, and decay rate, sensory quality were rated as the highest.