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journal article·2025-06-24Open access

Extending tomato freshness: The role of aloe vera gel in reducing post-harvest losses

Jagamohan Meher, Gnaniar Kalusuraman, Veeranan Ezhilmaran, Bharathi Annakamu, Ramswaroop Saini, Senthilkumar Krishnasamy, Santosh Kumar Sahu, Mohammed Aman

BioResources· Volume 20· Issue 3
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Abstract

Tomatoes are widely consumed but highly perishable due to their rapid respiration and delicate skin, causing significant post-harvest losses. Sustainable preservation is essential to maintain quality and reduce food waste. This study investigated aloe vera gel (AVG) as a natural, edible coating to extend tomato shelf life. Tomatoes at the pink ripening stage were coated with AVG for 3 and 6 minutes, then stored at 10 °C and 85% relative humidity for 16 days. The physicochemical traits pH, firmness, moisture content, total soluble solids (TSS), and microbial load were assessed every four days. AVG coatings slowed declines in pH, firmness, and moisture content compared to controls (p<0.05). Non-coated tomatoes dropped from pH 4.48 to 2.87, while 3- and 6-minute coated samples retained higher pH (3.28 and 3.65). Firmness fell to 0.56 kg/cm² in controls, but coated samples retained 1.18 and 1.50 kg/cm². Coated tomatoes had higher final moisture (78.35 to 80.25%) than controls (70.45%) and less weight loss (29.55 to 30.26 g vs. 28.11 g). TSS levels remained higher in coated tomatoes (3.10 to 3.40 °Brix vs. 2.40 °Brix), with lower microbial counts (2.95 and 2.16 vs. 4.24 log CFU/g). These results support AVG as an effective, eco-friendly method for preserving tomato quality.
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Research context

OpenAlex topics: Postharvest Quality and Shelf Life Management · Phytochemistry and biological activity of medicinal plants · Botanical Research and Applications

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Affiliations

Department of Agricultural Engineering, Krishi Vigyan Kendra Kalahandi, Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India

Department of Mechanical Engineering, Kalasalingam Academy of Research and Education, Krishnankoil 626 126, Sriviliputhur, Tamilnadu, India

Department of Manufacturing, College of Engineering Guindy, Anna University, Chennai, Tamilnadu, India

Department of Agriculture, Kalasalingam Academy of Research and Education, Krishnankoil 626 126, Sriviliputhur, Tamilnadu, India

School of Life and Health Sciences, Joy University, Tirunelveli, Tamilnadu, India

Department of Mechanical Engineering, PSG Institute of Technology and Applied Research, Coimbatore, Tamilnadu, India

School of Mechanical Engineering, VIT-AP University, Besides A.P. Secretariat, Amaravati 522237, Andhra Pradesh, India

Department of Industrial Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Business and Technology, Jeddah 21448, Saudi Arabia

References

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