<b>Propolis extract from different botanical sources in postharvest conservation of papaya

Abstract

This study evaluated the physical and chemical characteristics of the papaya ‘Solo’ cv. ‘Golden’ (Carica papaya L.) coated with propolis extract drawn from various botanical sources, during storage at room temperature. Papayas underwent three types of dip coating propolis extract, in 2.5% (w v^-1) concentration (‘aqueous extract’ and ‘hydroalcoholic extract of propolis wild type’, ‘hydroalcoholic extract of the propolis green rosemary’), at ambient temperature and two controls (without coating, one at ‘ambient temperature’ and the other ‘refrigerated’). The variables weight loss, firmness, soluble solids (SS), titratable acidity (TA), maturation index ratio (SS/TA) and hydrogen potential (pH) were evaluated, at three day intervals for twelve storage days. Sensory analyses of the papayas were performed on days three and six of storage, by acceptance testing. Coatings with hydroalcoholic extract of propolis wild type and green rosemary controlled weight loss and firmness in papayas. The coatings showed no effect on the variable SS. Fruit coated with hydroalcoholic extract of rosemary green propolis showed satisfactory results evaluating AT, SS/TA and pH, as well as sensory analysis. Thus, the coating formulated with propolis extract can be used as an alternative to extend the shelf life of papaya fruits.