Effects of Chitosan and Pomelo (Citrus Maxima var. Magallanes) Peel Extract on the Postharvest Quality and Shelf Life of Bitter Gourd (Momordica Charantia l. var. Galaxy Max F1) under Ambient Condition

Bitter gourd is highly prone to rapid deterioration, exhibiting a shelf life of only 4 to 5 days (d) under ambient conditions.Edible coatings are a promising approach to extending the shelf life of fruits and vegetables by reducing moisture loss and providing an effective barrier against oxygen and microbial growth.Hence, the present study evaluated the effect of chitosan combined with pomelo peel extract coating on the quality and shelf life of bitter gourd under ambient conditions (26-30 C; RH -74-86%) using physicochemical assessments.Freshly harvested bitter gourds were randomly divided into five treatments and coated with pomelo peel extract (PPE) and chitosan (CH) at different concentrations: uncoated (T0), LPE1% (T1), CH1% (T2), (LPE + CH) 1% (T3), and (LPE + CH) 2% (T4).A physicochemical assessment composed of non-destructive and destructive tests of the samples was observed every day for a span of 13 days (d) at ambient conditions.