The potential of a sucrose ester coating material for improving the storage and shelf‐life qualities of Cox's Orange Pippin apples

SUMMARY A sucrose‐ester coating material was tested for its potential as a storage technique and as an extender of the shelf life of apple (cv. Cox's Orange Pippin). Apples treated with 1·25% sucrose ester formulation were stored in air at 3·5°C for up to 5 months. Sucrose ester treatment did not reduce detrimental changes in terms of fruit firmness, yellowing and weight loss but did increase core flush incidence. When applied after storage, the sucrose ester reduced yellowing and loss of firmness and markedly increased internal carbon dioxide levels during a 21 day simulated marketing period. Effects were enhanced with increasing sucrose ester concentrations between 1% and 4%. Sucrose ester did not markedly reduce weight loss in the fruit, did not cause accumulation of alcohol or induce any internal physiological disorders during the simulated marketing period. Treatment of fruit with an external atmosphere containing 8% carbon dioxide, a level similar to that found in fruit treated with 3% sucrose ester, did not have the same effects as 3% sucrose ester on firmness or ground colour changes, suggesting that the effects of the sucrose ester are not solely the result of the raised carbon dioxide level.