Physicochemical evaluation of coated and interleaved cheeses with films of ripe banana peel and starch enriched with extract of loquat leaves

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of edible coating and films based on ripe banana peel flour and cornstarch, with and without extract of loquat (Eriobotrya japonica) leaves, in sliced and cut mozzarella cheese during 28 days of storage at 4 °C. During storage, weight loss was observed across all treatments. Increase in pH and reduction in titratable acidity during storage were verified for all cheeses, although milder in those treated with edible formulations. The cheeses submitted to coating or film were less moist than the others. Cheeses treated with the formulation containing the extract were less light and had more intense yellowish coloring. The hardness of the evaluated cheeses did not change during storage. Therefore, the use of edible films and coatings of ripe banana peel flour and loquat leaf extract has potential as an alternative material for the conservation of cheeses.