Development of a natural, semi-permeable fruit coating (water-soluble corn zein plus coconut oil) to extend shelf life of tree-ripe mango by creating an internal modified atmosphere

The perishability and chilling susceptibility of mango limits export potential. Tree-ripe mangos (stage 3, 1–5 scale), were coated with water-soluble corn zein protein (Akorn) or coconut oil or uncoated and held at 7 °C and 95 % relative humidity (RH) plus shelf life (20 °C and 95 % RH) internal atmospheres measured along with ripening, quality, and chilling. Florida-grown ‘Keitt’, uncoated, coated with coconut oil, or with zein formulations were stored for 10 days. Mexican ‘Keitt’ and Ecuadoran ‘Tommy Atkins’, uncoated or coated with two customized formulations (zein, zein plus coconut oil) were stored 34 days at 7 °C, plus 1-week shelf life. The zein plus coconut oil was compared to a polyethylene-based coating (Ecowax) during a 34-d commercial transport from Peru to Florida at 8 °C plus 4 days shelf life. Coatings provided lower internal O 2 and higher CO 2 ; ethylene varied with ripening. Coated fruit exhibited reduced chilling, lenticel discoloration and decay, as well as ripening attenuation. In the shipping test, the zein plus coconut oil coating out-performed the polyethylene-based coating in retarding ripening, and added 3–4 days of shelf life that will provide an eco-friendly solution and facilitate successful, long distance marine transport of high-quality mangos to international markets. • A desirable internal gas atmosphere (9 kPa O 2 and 8 kPa CO 2 ) was developed in the fruit. • Fruit quality was maintained at 7 °C without development of chilling injury symptoms. • Zein/coconut oil outperformed a commercial polyethylene-based coating. • This eco-friendly, effective technology facilitates international marketing.