Conservation of Minimally Processed Pinhão Using Chitosan and Gelatin Coatings

Abstract The minimal processing of pinhão causes an increase in mass loss, physiological deterioration and the growth of microorganisms. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the conservation of minimally processed pinhão using edible chitosan and gelatin coatings. The pinhões were minimally processed and coated with chitosan, gelatin and chitosan/gelatin using the Layer-by-Layer (LbL) technique. They were then dried under forced ventilation, packaged in a polyethylene terephthalate package and stored at 4 °C for 10 days. The analyses performed were weight loss, pH, reducing sugars, vitamin C, color, microbiological analysis and sensory analysis. Benefits were observed with the use of chitosan and gelatin coatings, especially when applied using the LbL technique. The best combination of results was obtained with the application of the chitosan/gelatin coating, mainly reduction of weight loss and inhibition of growth of fungi and aerobic psychrotrophic bacteria. The coating did not retard the maturation process, thus, higher vitamin C contents were obtained. The coatings did not influence the taste and aroma of minimally processed pinhão. Minimal processing can encourage the consumption of seeds, besides this, the conservation using edible coating based on chitosan/gelatin, applied with the LbL technique associated with refrigeration, extended their shelf life.