Effect of Composite Coatings of Sodium Alginate and Neem Leaf Extract on Retention of Antioxidant Properties of Kinnow Mandarin under Low Temperature Storage

Kinnow mandarin fruit possesses high nutraceutical value, but it exhibits heavy loss in antioxidant quality during long-term storage. The effect of sodium alginate coating and combination of Sodium Alginate (SA) and Neem Leaf Extract (NLE) coatings was evaluated on cold stored Kinnow fruits. The results revealed that fruits applied with composite coating exhibited slower decline in the levels of phenols (7.89%), flavonoids (16.8%) and carotenoid content (6.64%) during the storage as compared to the control. Coated fruits also retained better antioxidant activity as compared to the control during storage period. In addition, SA +NLE coating reduced the spoilage, loss in weight, loss of juice content, acidity and vitamin C in the Kinnow fruits. Similarly, at the end of 75 days storage period, maximum TA, TSS, juice content, Ascorbic acid, carotenoid content, TPC, TFC and anti-oxidant activity was maintained in 2% SA + 20% NLE coating, hence being the most effective coating.