First, the CMC/chitosan bilayer coating was water resistant and maintained its stability during exposure to cold storage and shelf-life conditions (Fig. 1).Second, it did not promote excessive CO2 build-up or cause anaerobic conditions in the internal atmosphere of the fruit (Fig. 3). Third,it improved gloss and appearance (Fig. 1).
Fourth, it was not sticky and dried well. Fifth, it maintained the flavor quality of orange sand grapefruit, but somewhat impaired that of mandarins. Sixth, it covered the fruit surface adequately, and, being based on polysaccharide materials, it is quite inexpensive and economical in use.Seventh, it forms a homogenous, translucent coating.However, although the new bilayer edible coating some what in creased fruit firmness, it was not very effective in reducing water-vapor permeability and weight loss (Fig. 2).